Snow!

Real and pretend.

Tuesday morning we were lucky to wake up to lots of snow. The kids wanted to go out and play while Daddy snowblowed the driveway, and while my first lazy morning instinct was to say, "of course not!" I realized there wasn't any reason to say no and the girls headed out while I bundled up BabySlimJim.

Part of our winter school is a STEAM advent calendar and each day we do a winter themed activity. Two of our favorites have been snowstorm in a jar and melting snowmen.

Today we decided to get out, go for a walk and go sledding since we haven't been yet this year (and Daddy was home to help!)

Glad we finally have snow to play in!

Winter Dance Recital

The girls' have been so excited for their winter dance recital since the last time they were on stage in the spring. 

As always, adorable!

A Pottery Party

Since the girls aren't in school, we don't get invited to many birthday parties and when we do, they are usually family parties at a house or backyard. So there was a lot of anticipation for a pottery painting party today. 

Both girls had a great time. Can't wait to see the finished products!

Victorian Stroll and the Tree Lighting

The past two nights have been filled with more evening activities than we've done in the past few months! We headed out after work to eat dinner with our friends who live downtown. Then we walked into town for Saratoga's Victorian Stroll. It's exciting because the street is closed and there are carolers and musicians and some people dress up in period attire. Santa comes and they light the tree (but we missed that part). The girls were most excited to ride the carousel.

We stayed out a bit too late and got caught in the rain on the way home, but fortunately it wasn't too cold out.

Tonight we decided to be a bit crazy and have another late night... after MiniM.E.'s Tae Kwon Do class, we booked it over to Gavin Park for Wilton's tree lighting ceremony.

As we were waiting for it to start, MiniM.E. was chosen to flip the switch to light the tree!! She was a little nervous, but she did great and was so proud!

In our three years living right down the road from the park, we never ventured out for the tree lighting, but with the mild weather this year we thought we'd give it a try. Definitely will be on our list of things to do to start the season next year. It was pretty amazing. The park was decorated with tons of Christmas lights, Santa came in on a fire truck parade, there was free food and activities and you could sit with Santa!

Just Hanging Around

I love the holiday season. Sure, it's hectic with shopping and Christmas cards and wrapping and obligations. We have a few friends with December birthdays, so there will be a couple birthday parties, some Christmas parties and extra holiday festivities. Add to this year that Daddy is in Germany for a week and we have a wedding three days before Christmas. It is crazy busy.

But the day to day is so much more relaxing. The warm light of the tree, only fun things to do for school, baking and decorating... so we've just been doing a little less and enjoying.