Couldn't Resist

I ran to Bartells this evening to return a movie and happened to see a little Christmas tree for $6. I always loved having my own little tree to decorate as a kid, so I bought it for Aaden. Turns out he LOVED it! We decorated it with the lights and ornaments that it came with and he stood by it giggling and pointing at it for at least 30 minutes. I don't think I've ever seen him so excited and proud! We caught a few of the moments on photo:

 Anticipating!

"Star"!

Craft Day

A year ago my husband asked me "what are your hobbies"? As a full-time working Mom the answer "nothing". Who had time for anything but family and work?! My artistic side had long been tucked away in the bins below the house. As an intended interior design and fine arts minor in college I expressed myself in multiple ways through drawing, sculpting, designing, photography, painting classes but that was 8+ years ago.


Thus, I was so excited to have time to do something artistic today. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law and I have really been itching for a craft day. We've all been purusing Etsy and friend's blogs and getting all sorts of fun ideas. The culmination of our ideas finally resulted in a two day craft extravaganza. So, my inner artist is starting to percolate to the top again. Here are a few things we worked on today:

 Aaden crafted with Playdough

 While Aunt Lacey was dynamite with her hot glue gun

 She made this! And then bedazzled it!

 Working hard!

 My finished and hung paper wreath complete with Christmas sheet music!

Modge-podge creation

The Birthday Boy: Papa

We celebrated my dad's birthday {Papa} this weekend by making brunch for him. Kristofer made fantastic homemade {bread} french toast with cinnamon/brown sugar glazed apples on top. We had gingerbread later for his cake. Aaden loved the "Papa Birrrfday"and was a great help opening gifts and talking all about the "candles" on the cake.

 The handsome birthday boy!

Christmas Tree Hunting

My parents were up to celebrate my dad's birthday and watch my brother and his wife open wedding gifts. So, while they were here we went and got a tree. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time wandering the farm. Aaden loved playing hide and seek behind all of the trees and being silly with the guys.

Advent

The season of Advent is a favorite around here. We have many traditions that we partake in as a family. A season to reflect on the birth of Christ. Here are a few from Aaden's perspective:

Thanksgiving in Sunnyside

I took very few pictures during our trip to the Grandparent's for Thanksgiving but we had a great time none-the-less. We played hard, went shopping and spent time together as an extended family.

Snow Day

Aaden had a blast in the early season snow. We nabbed a few pictures of him sledding, making snow balls and walking to the park. I decided to get a snow suit for him for next time as we know the snow will return again soon!