These are wonderful, busy days

December is always this way - very full.

But it's been full of wonderful things.

Like blizzards...

and cookie decorating (and eating)... 

 and hosting friends (and preparing for hosting)...

and singing in the preschool program...

and messing with the kid in front of you...

and sleepy kids...

and drinking hot chocolate.

This is the most wonderful time of year.

Santaland

This morning we continued the tradition of venturing downtown to Macy's Santaland.  The kids are getting old enough now to actual be interested in it...so now I can say that I am going there for the kids - and not just because I like it.  Although when I asked Sam what his favorite part was he said, "Riding in Henry's minivan."  Hmm.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The kids really enjoyed putting ornaments on the tree this year.  What I neglected to take a photo of is how most of the ornaments are now clumped together in just 2 or 3 spots.

And I love it.

And then downstairs to build a fire with dad...

I love this time of year!

She's 2!!

Kate celebrated her birthday at our Thanksgiving gathering this year...then again 3 days later on her actual birthday...and actually twice on that day. So she got in a bit of practice blowing out candles and eating cupcakes: 

.  

This little girl has turned in to such a fun, happy, playful, funny, sweet, delightful little person.  We are very thankful for her!