First Snow

Settling into a professional career or "real job" will be great. But there are some things about Brad being a student that I'll miss. Two weeks off for Christmas anyone? We all enjoyed having BrDad around. David especially liked playing in the snow--our first little storm of the season.

Snowman

Snow angel

And the winner by far was filling up the truck with snow!

Enchanted Village and Santa

In the 60's and 70's a popular department store in Boston's Downtown Crossing displayed this lovely Enchanted Village. These charming displays quickly became an integral part of New England's holiday celebrations until it closed. A popular furniture store purchased many items from the Enchanted Village and now displays them to the public for free.

Brad's time off school seemed to go quickly and we wanted to make at least one special family outing before Christmas. I pretended that Brad hadn't already stopped at the mall Santa with the kids and we excitedly went to the Enchanted Village.

One of many darling scenes!

Look closely--it is snowing!

Our cute friend Bridger.

David seemed to really like some of the animatronic people and things there in the displays.

Santa arrived at 12 noon and we finished the Enchanted Village about 10 minutes before that time. We waited in a very short line. A grandmother in front of us said that that last year she and her daughter had taken her three grandkids (one was just a month or so old) the weekend before Christmas. They'd driven quite a distance and the place was packed. They waited in line TWO hours before they finally had to give up and go home. She estimated that they had spent five hours total and didn't even make it to Santa. I'm also assuming she didn't even make it inside the Enchanted Village part.

I had no idea this event was so popular! I was thankful that we went on a quiet Wednesday morning. I thought Will might be unhappy with Santa but he did very well. The photographer whispered to me that he'd only ever seen one kid freak out with this sweet guy.

Merry Christmas!

It was a fun little outing and even better to go with friends. We ended with lunch at Ikea.

Tumbling Class

It is no secret that David loves being physical. I dislike the idea of scheduling too much or being too competitive at this age, but I just knew the gymnastics class at the YMCA would be perfect.

We've been going every Friday for the last few months and David LOVES it. The teachers are energetic and silly, quite at ease with toddlers, and seem to love teaching gymnastics. I also enjoyed spending a little one on one time with Dave.

Jumping

Running from one activity to the next

Ms. Dotty

Ms. Jennifer

Perhaps there are parents more humble than myself but I found it very validating to be told that David was one of the best in his class. Glad we are channeling that energy somewhere! (Ask his primary teachers how he is doing and you'll get different story. We need to work on sitting in a chair.)

We are looking forward to the kids only class after Christmas!

Multi Use Christmas Gift

Brad and I were shopping with the kids and I tried to buy a tiered plate rack/food server but he kept commenting on how he didn't like the ones we were looking at. I really wanted something nice to use for a Relief Society event tomorrow and in the future. I didn't know he'd found a great one for me for Christmas! He was nice enough to give it to me early so I could use it to display my cups of rice pudding.

Dave and Will found other uses for it!

A hat rack!

The Nutcracker

My Grandma Lyon took me and my cousins to see The Nutcracker when I was very young. I've always wanted to go back. The holidays are busy and by the time I get around to thinking about it the tickets are too expensive or there isn't time or there isn't a babysitter. But this year the stars aligned.

The Boston Opera House

My friend Daija told me about student rush tickets. Students can get half price tickets two hours before a show if there are still available seats. After Brad took the self proclaimed worst- final/test of his life then grabbed a willing friend and acquired two half price tickets. I thought $40 total for both us was more than worth it, plus we were in the sixth row!

The dancing was exquisite and the live music was phenomenal. I can't describe how unbelievable a professional orchestra sounds. It helped that Tchaikovsky's music is very famous; it is always fun to hear something you know. I was surprised at how many of the different movements I'd heard before.

After the show!

I enjoyed dressing up but I'm pretty sure when Brad left for the wost-test-of-his-life he wasn't thinking about our evening (who can blame him?) so he went casual.

I thought I could convince Brad to wear a crown too...

So grateful to leave the boys with the Kang family. Babysitting is perhaps my biggest worry when trying to coordinate a date night and being worry free made it that much more enjoyable.

BU Dental Holiday Party

I always look forward to the school holiday party. I don't know why, it isn't fancy...many students show up in scrubs. I think part of the draw is that I don't have to cook. We took the boys this year and we all had a nice time.

Here we are as we were getting ready to leave.

Dave, Will, and another sweet little boy in the dental "family."

Cuddle Puddle

Ever since William decided to climb out of his crib Brad was convinced we'd find him sleeping in David's bed. I didn't think this would work out too well...I figured they would either play or fight in lieu of sleep. I was wrong! I popped my head in for a quick peek at my boys before I went to be and found this adorable scene.

William in the red monkey jammies and David in the blue with orange dinosaurs.

So glad to know they love each other!