Getting Ready for Christmas

As the days get colder, snow begins to fall, and December marches along, all of us here have been busy getting ready for Christmas. Over the last few days, we have had a couple of opportunities to really feel the Christmas spirit.

On Saturday, we went to the annual holiday party for the local twin club. We got to see lots of our twin friends, and Santa even made a special visit! The boys were excited all day about the idea of getting to see Santa, but when he appeared, Evan reverted into his super-shy self. He actually hid behind my leg and jumped for me to pick him up. Santa brought Brandon and Evan some presents, too. Brandon was a little hesitant, but more or less comfortable with going up to get his present from Santa. Evan went up with Mommy. :) Overall, we had a lot of fun! Here are some pictures from the day...

Here is Evan, showing off his new car from Santa.

Brandon and Evan had a blast playing with the balloons, throwing them up as high as they could in the air. This is an action shot of Brandon.

Last month, Auntie Andi taught the fellas how to stick their finger into the icing on a cake (repeatedly, I might add). This picture is for her. Look, they transferred the skill to cookies! :)

Tonight, the four of us decorated our Christmas tree. I am so excited to have it up so we can enjoy it while we are here. Evan and Brandon were both very excited to help decorate the tree. Although we had one ornament casualty, we all had a fun time.

Dad and Evan

Brandon and Mom

The finished product! It is a little heavy on the ornaments on the right side because the boys could stand on the chair on that side to put up ornaments. :)

This year has been so much more fun with Evan and Brandon than I ever expected. They are really into everything having to do with Christmas. We were at Target last week, and when they got to the Christmas department, they both said, "Wow!" Every time we turned a corner, I heard gasps and yells of "Wow!" and "More!" It was so neat. Everywhere we go, they spot all of the Christmas trees and talk about how Santa likes the Christmas trees. :)

Late last week, Brandon and Evan helped me put up decorations at the house, too. They were very excited to pull out their stockings and hear all about how Santa puts gifts in them on Christmas Eve. We have been learning all about the Nativity, too, and how Christmas is Jesus's birthday. I have been having so much fun with the boys, talking to them about all of the great things that happen during the season.

We have been working on giving to others during the season, too, and Brandon and Evan have been excited to help out! The Ross Partners group at the b-school is doing a service project next week at the pediatric cancer center, where patients at the hospital will be able to "shop" for presents for their immediate family. Evan and Brandon and I went to the store to pick up some gifts. They had fun helping me pick out everything from tape measures to toy cars to vases for the project.

Overall, we are loving the Christmas season here, and we can't wait to get back to Illinois to spend time with so much of our family. (In fact, Brandon and Evan were both ready to hop in the car to head to their grandparents' houses tonight!) I hope all of you are enjoying the season, too!