Mini-trees & Advent Calendars...

As much as I love the holidays, I know that Adam (and soon to be Harper) love this season even more - so much magic, color, sugar (eek!), and of course the promise of Santa & presents at the end of it all. I love the tradition Andy's family had of having a tree in everyone's room and was happy we carried that on with Adam for his first Christmas, so it was fun to see that our elf, Al, brought one for Harper's room. Adam loved decorating his tree and having the honor of also decorating Harper's.

It's also not officially the holidays until an Advent Calendar (or three...) pops up. Ommy & Poppy gave both Adam and Harper the traditional kind filled with chocolate behind each window - Adam loved getting to eat his piece of chocolate in the morning and Harper's chocolate at lunch. Adam also was gifted a Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar from my co-workers as a "yay! you're a big brother" gift." Putting together a new, albeit mini, Lego set, and Star Wars Lego set for that matter, every morning was quite the unique and special way to countdown to Christmas.

Christmas Eve Festivities...

I can't remember what blog or Facebook post I read this on, but I remember someone wrote that probably their favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve. The anticipation of what's to come, the final preparations being made for the big day, and the traditions, old and new, really do make for one of the most special days of the year. Through Adam's eyes I can see the excitement building and yet I also see that he truly does take in every moment of the holiday season, never really "wishing" away the days just to get to Christmas morning. 

Christmas Eve in our house has always meant wrapping, some last minute shopping, watching "It's a Wonderful Life," opening new Christmas pj's and a new Christmas book, dinner with Andy's family (we had almost all of them this year) reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas," and then waiting for our little buddy to fall asleep so we can start setting up the magic for the next day. 

Isabella brought Reindeer Food to sprinkle on our driveway. So cute! New tradition for sure

Beautiful cake that Bebe brought from same bakery where Heidi's wedding cake & our rehearsal cake came from. Such a treat! 

I'm always a little sad to see Christmas Eve come and go - but knowing what's to come the next day makes it a little easier... 

Gingerbread House...

We never got around to making a house last year, but Adam still remembered how fun it was the year before (remember this) so was super excited when I told him we were going to do one this year. The kit I got was from Target and so much easier to use than the one from before. I know it's not very "Martha" of me to use a kit - but I'll give myself a pass on this one. :) 

The house turned out great and Adam and I had fun doing it. As a surprise the morning after we finished decorating it, Adam's elf Al built a snowman in the front yard! Adam thought that was just too cool - pun intended. 

A fun holiday tradition, even if it doesn't happen every year. :)

Pumpkin Patch...

Even though we'd already done our pumpkin picking earlier in the season, Adam still insisted on going to the "pumpkin patch with the scary bus," as we'd done every year since he was one. I agreed it seemed like a good idea so one afternoon we headed over and spent some time playing and picked out a few more pumpkins, because let's face it, you can really never have too many pumpkins around the house during the fall. 

I love that I've got a photo of Adam pulling the pumpkin wagon each year since he was one- will be fun to keep taking these through the years - assuming he'll still want to go with me - I can wish can't I?! 

Our time with Al...

This Christmas season we were visiting once again by Adam's very own elf, Al. Al showed up on December 1st under Adam's tree and surprised us every morning after that by popping up in all kinds of funny and sometimes mischievous places. Al must have given Santa lots of really good reports each night as there wasn't even a dusting of coal to be found on Christmas morning. Here's a look back at all of Al's silliness! 

Al headed back to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve but left this note for Adam: 

My Dear Adam - I enjoyed spending time with you again this Christmas season. You were such a good boy. I'm looking forward to heading back to the North Pole to see my family & friends for the next 11 months. I know you'll be good while I'm gone. Who knows, I may even stop by for a visit. Be kind my sweet Adam. Love, Al