Christmas Preparations

Christmas can't come fast enough for Matt; he has been asking if it's Christmas yet every day since Thanksgiving.

Here are some of the things we did leading up to the holiday:

We went to the Enchanted Village, an annual display at a local furniture store. Matt was not impressed; he said it was too dark and the music was too loud. To be fair, there were many things to look out and very few to touch, so it wasn't too exciting for a three year old (or even an infant, who napped during our visit). We didn't stay too long, but I did get a few photos of Matt looking around.

Checking out the Santa display

Looking at the boy on the bicycle

Watching the "decorating" of the Christmas tree

Our playgroup had a brunch at a friend's house. We attempted to get photos of all the kids, but the best we could do was most of the kids looking in mostly the same direction. I've already posted the shot of Andy at the gathering, so here is Matt:

Taking a quiet moment to do a puzzle

Building with friends

Becky, one of the moms at the party, took this great shot of Matt.

The toddler story time did a Christmas tree craft.

Matt is enjoying decorating his tree.

We then headed over to Bass Pro Shops to see Santa (photo posted on our Christmas Eve post!). We stopped to see the fish and turtles and try out a few of the activities while we were there.

Attempting to drive the remote control truck

Digging in the ball pit

We did a Christmas countdown or Advent calendar with Matt this year to help him with the questions of "Is it Christmas today? Is it Christmas yet? Why is it not Christmas today? When will it be Christmas?" He did a great job putting the ornament on the tree daily.

Counting how many days are left

The last baby storytime at the library before Christmas included jingle bells to accompany "Frosty the Snowman."

Andy gripping his jingle bell

Matt jingling his

Matt coloring snowmen

Andy listening to the high school chorus that came into the library to perform

Our tree went up earlier in December, but due to illnesses we finally got around to decorating it the week before Christmas.

Matt hanging up ornaments

And here are a few more of our activities around the house:

Andy checking out his "Baby's First Christmas" reindeer

Matt listening to The Night Before Christmas, as read by Grandma

Matt reading a lift the flap book (always a favorite format!)