The Holidays are Here!

He's back...

*****
But before I talk about him. I want to tell you about what a great time we had at the Bayshore Town Center Tree Lighting, way back when in the beginning of November...I can't believe November is almost over? Where did it go? I know I don't have to tell you again, how this is my favorite tree lighting in town. I love the tall toy soldiers, and the way that Santa passes them the last light bulb for the tree and the last toy soldier places it and the tree lights up...and the snow fairies *floating* around and the hot cocoa, and the train rides (with snow), and the horse and carriage rides...it's all magic.

Me and my mom took the kids up (Chris had to work) and it was a little brisk, but much milder than it's been in years past.

on our way

 

 beautiful lights

Lily's annual picture next to a huge ornament

 Liam wouldn't stay still for one...just kept running

Nana with L&L

 me and my kids

while we waited, Lily made snow angels...who needs snow anyway?

finally the toy soldiers came out

Liam loved Lily's gloves, so much that he couldn't stop staring at them :)

 Lily was able to give Santa a hug and was thrilled

fist pound from a snow fairy

we had to try this hat on Liam at the GAP, isn't it cute? You know I'm a sucker for a hat :)

the tree

*****

Thanksgiving was nice. We started the day with gingerbread pancakes and whip cream.

I love putting whip cream smiley faces on them

During the day I tried to make a green bean casserole and clean the house ::ha, ha, ha:: I finished the casserole, the house left something to be desired. I did some final quick *elf* touches and then we were off to Chris' Aunt Donna's for dinner. After dinner there was an Elvis sighting.

When we returned home, Elf was there!

And Lily proclaimed "Mom, put him there!"...my heart almost stopped...she's only 3, don't I have at least 3 more years of her believing and then an additional 4 years of her pretending she believes for her brother? We quickly convinced her that I had not put him there, he was here from the North Pole to watch over them for Santa.

Each year I have to look up the name that Lily gave him in 2009...it's Elf...I don't know why that's so hard for me to remember...just like her Bitty Baby is named Lily, duh!

There was also Christmas pj's on their beds and their trees were up!

 Lily also got some new sheets and small decorations in her room

Lily started believing so much, that she told us that Elf put a ceiling fan in Liam's room (maybe in 2008?)...she couldn't believe it!

I had debated about a tree in Liam's room, but got all "soft" ornaments and so far it's still standing (it's been 4 days). I'm really scared about the real tree in the living room, I imagine he will take it down at least once this year.

we all knew this was going to happen!

Lily's new ornament this year - glitter dust inside!

she loves her new sheets

MAGIC!

We tucked them into their beds where vision of sugarplums may have started dancing in their heads...