Fa La La La La

Deck the halls with boughs of holly...

Fa la la la la, la la la la

'Tis the season to be jolly...

Fa la la la la... la la la laaaaaaaa!!!

(And... the big kids finally got out! Fa la la la la, la la la la!!!)

 

We've decked our halls!  We (and by "we" I mean, John!) managed to get the outside lights up during Thanksgiving weekend.  It isn't as elaborate as we used to do in Roseville (picture a tasteful Griswold scenario!), and even less than down South (as Preston pointed out), but there are lights up and the kids are happy!

We (and by "we" I mean, I) got the inside decorated by the 3rd of December... with all things above Gavin's stretching capabilities. (Though he has grown enough to stand on tippy-toes and reach for things that he couldn't just a few weeks ago!)

I couldn't hang the stockings from the mantle as they were in perfect reach for Gav-man!
(And, notice that his stocking is still missing his name... oops!)

We (and, this time, I actually mean "we!") got the tree up and decorated by December 4th.  Gavin's first Christmas tree... and it's on the kitchen table where we can all see it and appreciate it... and NOT touch it!  Not too shabby considering a nasty stomach bug was running rampant through our house for a few weeks straight!  Miss Gracie is bummed that another little brother is coming between her and her beloved Christmas tree. Her favorite thing this time of year is to lay under the tree and stare at the lights (and take off and re-hang ornaments). She has been content to lay on the table and hang out a bit each evening, but I know she will be glad when the big tree is back!

I adore that Preston is telling and signing the light colors to Gavin.  Sweet.

Our littlest Swann taking in his very first Christmas tree.

There have been parties and school activities and all kinds of Christmas fun to enjoy. For the first time in five years of Christmas parties, I was able to attend John's with him!  A huge thanks to Nana and Papa for watching all three kiddos (and driving two plus hours each way) on a Friday night!

 

Our first date-night in a year and only the third since October 2008!!!

All of the cousins on the "Swann" side together for the first time in years!

My reindeer saying "Ho Ho Ho!"
Ice skating with Daddy
Making "Snowman Soup" for all of the kids in his class
Enjoying a craft and fun-filled party at a classmate's home

Miss Gracie... chilling as she does each evening by the light of the tree!

Gavin... obsessed with the Nutcracker (regardless of his attire!)

Another "virtual" photo shoot with Chloe and Gavin...
Caption ideas from various family members...
"Hello, Deer!"
"Neither of them looks very 'fawned' of their antlers"
"Oh, Deer"
 

Next stop... visiting Santa Claus!!!