'Tis the Season

I've said it before and I'll say it again...holidays are so much more fun with kids!  And when it comes to kids, apparently more really is merrier.  This year, Aaron was old enough to understand the concept of opening presents (his and everyone else's) and to get excited about ornaments, cookies, and baby Jesus.  Jill added to everyone's Christmas cheer by looking cute and chubby in every picture, including our Christmas card:

We started out the Christmas season by taking a trip to Glenview to see a holiday parade with Aunt Betsy, Uncle David, Nate, and Alyssa.

Both kids enjoyed some holiday treats while they watched the parade.

Aaron took a ride on the holiday train (see how excited he is about it?)

And the whole family went for a hay ride 

(again, Aaron's excitement is palpable)

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Next, it was time to go visit Santa.  This year, we met up with him at Macy's.  Dora brought the kids downtown on a Thursday because we thought the lines might be shorter, but we still had to wait about 45 minutes before we were admitted into "Santa's House" which was basically a maze of cheap interactive displays that lead to a final checkpoint where we were ushered into what I'm pretty sure was one of several rooms that housed one of several Santas.  But Santa is real.  So that couldn't be true, right?

High five, Kris!  You were worth the wait!

Last minute wardrobe adjustments.

Last minute attitude adjustments 

(No such thing as an innocent little sister!)

Ho ho ho!

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We also started incorporating some of the traditions that we hope to make a part of our annual Christmas experience.  The first was "baking Christmas cookies" -- something that I am not particularly skilled at.  But it's what people do.  So we did it.

Aaron helped me mix the batter

Oma and Mom helped with icing and sprinkles

Aaron wanted to try putting on the sprinkles himself.  What could go wrong?

Oh right.  That.

The best part of making cookies is eating them.

Aaron also got his first taste of eggnog.  He seemed to like it at first, but then declined another serving the next day.  Time will tell whether he takes after Dad (who loves it) or Mom (who can't stomach the stuff).

We also spent lots of time around the Christmas tree, which Aaron helped to decorate.  He dutifully reminded us every night to "turn on the Kistmas lights!"

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Just like last year, we celebrated Christmas in installments with various friends and family.  Aaron and Jill's first installment was with Dora, who falls into both the "friend" and "family" category.  And she always brings the best toys because she spends as much time playing with them as the kids do!

On Christmas morning, Aaron and Jill gave us the best present ever: Jill slept until 7:30 and Aaron slept until 8:30.  Just what we always wanted!  Once both kids were up, it was time for our family Christmas.  

Aaron and Jill enjoyed unwrapping, playing with, and occasionally tasting their new presents.

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Then it was off to Glenview to open gifts with the Broyles and the Hjelmgrens.  As always, Aaron's favorite part was running around with his cousins.  He also enjoyed handing out and helping to open presents.  

Someone caught the gingerbread man!

Christmas cuddles with Nana and Papa

Not so thrilled about his D-Rose Bulls jersey.  Perhaps he senses the writing on the wall...

Pretty excited about the candy though!

We ended the night with a birthday cake for Jesus!  Always important to remember the true reason for the season.

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And finally, the weekend after Christmas we drove out to South Bend for one last round of gifts and celebrations with my side of the family.

Aaron showed off his gift-unwrapping skills, which were well honed by this point.

Momma got a Christmas glass of wine for the first time in 3 years!

And both kids got plenty of quality Oma and Opa time.

So that about sums it up.  We're thankful for so many things, especially our two little gifts that keep on giving.  Now Jill would like to sign off by wishing everyone a happy New Year and a blessed 2014!