Christmas in Chelsea

We have had one fun December here in Chelsea! Christmas time is such a magical time of year and it's even more magical when you have a wonderful little boy to share it with :-) Seeing the joy, surprise, and curiosity on his face each time we have done something new (or new to him since he probably doesn't remember much from last year) are moments that touch my heart and make me smile. And, the best part is that we don't have to go far to enjoy all the holiday festivities! Our small town makes sure to captivate us all with all the Christmas fun they provide....and it's all in walking distance! A couple weeks ago was "Home Town Holidays" with a parade, live nativity scene, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, and of course, a visit with Santa Clause! I was so proud of Brett because he actually sat on his lap this year!! I think it helped that his friend Abby did it, as well as the candy cane and little trinket gift Santa was handing out :-) Brett even got to see Santa a second time at Abby's daycare where they welcomed the public to come visit him. Both times he saw Santa he was apprehensive at first, but slowly warmed up and would shyly go over to sit with him. If you listened really carefully you could even hear him tell Santa that he wanted an airplane for Christmas ---- so cute!! To continue the fun all month long we have been doing holiday arts and crafts at playgroup and at home, and have had fun listening to Christmas music and singing "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph" together :-) I love listening to him sing!

Brett and Abby bundling up before heading out to see Santa and the animals!

Visiting the live nativity scene and listening to Christmas carols

I love the look of complete surprise and amazement on his face!

Petting the donkey :-)

Brett and Kyle checking out the cool train pin he got while sitting on the train! Of course, that was one of Brett's favorite parts!

While waiting to see Santa, Brett got to do some fun art projects! He made an ornament (that fell apart soon after), a snowflake, and some fingerprint deer. Cute idea's!

Here are a couple Santa pictures I took. Unfortunately this particular Santa was a little grouchy and didn't smile much....atleast Mrs. Clause looked happy though :-)

Thank you for smiling in this picture, Santa!

Doing the best kind of art project there is - one with glue and glitter! I swear I'm STILL finding glitter throughout my house!

Our Christmas tree :-)

Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

This year we were really on top of things and actually went to the Christmas tree farm the weekend after Thanksgiving! The temperature was mild and we basically had the place to ourselves because we went Saturday afternoon during a U of M football game. I guess some people think sports are more important than Christmas tree's (and usually Kyle is one of them) - but not for this game! None of "his" teams were playing so we were all about starting the holiday season and picking out the perfect tree for our family :-) Brett had A BLAST and was quite intrigued by the saw and how it worked. That's our boy for ya, he is always trying to figure things out and see how everything works. I love watching that little mind of his go to town!

Pulling the big wagon out to where our favorite tree's our (but of course I can't remember the name of them!). We offered to give Brett a ride but he preferred to walk :-)

I think he found one he liked!

Let the sawing begin!

Watching intently as Kyle saws away. I love how he is on his knees. So cute!

Now it's Brett's turn to try!

Trying to get Brett to stand still for a picture!

Father and Son, hand and hand :-) I love my boys!!

Of course, as soon as we got home we HAD to put the Christmas tree up and start decorating ASAP :-) Brett did such a good job and was fairly gentle - well, sometimes :-)

And here is the finished product - Brett loves to sit (or stand) on the chair and take the ornaments on and off. He has done LOTS of rearranging since the tree was put up a week ago!