Christmas Time

Growing up my parents would try and pick the snowiest day to pick out the Christmas tree. We have not had much snow this year so we were lucky to have some on the day we picked out the tree. Every year the tree just seems perfect and this year was no exception. We brought it home and started decorating while the snow fell outside. It was perfect. We had a fire in the fireplace and some Christmas music playing. Patrick is getting old enough now to help with the ornaments getting on the tree rather than just pulling them off.

We also made our first gingerbread house this year. Patrick had seen a pattern in one of his books and really wanted to make one. We had a really good time making a huge mess in the kitchen while creating our little house. Plus- we got to eat some of the ingredients!
Ahhh- pure sugar frosting! Nothing gets a 3-year-old more excited than that!
Patrick was quite pleased with the finished product and was a little miffed that we were not going to be eating it. However, a few days later he got to make a Nativity that was edible! A few mini marshmallows, some graham crackers, animal crackers, frosting and a few pieces of cereal and Voila! An edible Nativity!
A perfect snack for after lunch! Patrick says Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus tasted the best. Ahh, nothing like a Creche made of mini marshmallows.
The Christmas holiday was celebrated at our house and my parents house. Jason's parents made the trip out from New Hampshire so they were able to see Patrick open all his gifts Christmas morning. Patrick was very surprised to open presents and find things that were on his list. He kept saying "Hey, that was on my list!" As he opened each gift he wanted to open it up and play with it. Not quite the mad dash to open that I remember as a child but I am sure that will come.














Patrick and Meredith filling up their Pez dispensers. And- Paging Dr. Patrick! Not only did Patrick want a doctor kit but he kept telling us he needed the coat too.

A shaving kit- that was high on the list too. Everyone got a cut and shave Christmas morning. Patrick really gave us the once over with all his supplies. I must say- my face felt very smooth after getting a shave from Patrick!

In non-holiday news: We have carpet in the kids rooms upstairs! Woohoo! Now that the carpet is down we are ready for the trim which hopefully will start getting put up some time this week. Patrick loves to play upstairs now and has some toys set up in his future room. He likes to go up there and wrestle with J on the carpet. Progress!




























Getting the outlet covers on was a family affair!