It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas!

The boys are getting super excited for Christmas.  We decorated our tree right after Thanksgiving, which always makes the house feel more special.

 James helped for about 3 minutes.  The little boys enjoyed the task much longer.

 This year we put the tree in our foyer (in front of the family room) which is working out so much better than having it in the actual family room, where all of the activity and traffic is (not to mention rough-housing and wrestling).

We went to the annual Christmas Tree lighting on post last week.  We've been three years in a row and the boys still love it.

 They have bounce houses, free cookies and hot chocolate, Rudolph...

 …and Santa and Mrs. Claus of course.

 We've been baking…

The boys' school has a Holiday Shoppe going on this week (a cute little fundraiser "store" with gifts under $10 for family members for Christmas).  Henry brought home wrapped gifts for all of us and one labeled "To: Henry, Love: Henry"  No one was surprised.  :)

Sherry Shaw and the kids come in town tonight and a bunch of us are going to watch the Army/ Navy football game together tomorrow.  Should be fun!

Hope your Christmas "month" is a happy one so far!

Some Days...

...I'm reminded of my dad everywhere I turn.  My aunt sent me this picture out of the blue yesterday.  I'd never seen it before but it's my dad when he was about my age, 37 or so...

I see SO much of James in him...

And today, when I took the boys to get their hair cut, this is who was in front of us in line…

"Randy B."  Just like my dad, Randy Blumenschein.

I think of my dad all of the time but I can't help but to feel like these "little things" are his way of checking in and reminding me he's still here… in our hearts now, but definitely not gone.

Thanksgiving in MD...

We braved the snow storm headed up and down the east coast and made it home to Maryland in time for Thanksgiving at the Midberrys.  It was great...

The Flores Family, Cami & Pat and boys, Us, Marta & Keith

Mom and Jany

So… the biggest reason we went home for Thanksgiving was to meet Pat and his boys, Charlie and Ian-- who are all very sweet and funny and got along great with our boys.  Because the Big News is that... Camille and Pat recently got engaged!  And, Pat just happens to be the drummer of the band Weezer!  Super cool.

Keith and Pat,
Camille's fiance 

Although our boys don't know it just yet, we are going to Hawaii (!!!) for a week in January to watch them get married!  We are so excited and I know they are too.

The beautiful bride!

Chris is recovering very quickly (he's already stopped wearing
that sling, about 4 weeks too early.  Bet his DR wouldn't be happy to know that.)

Me and Mom

It did end up snowing a little bit on Wednesday...

The boys had a great time playing in it and Mom helped them build a snowman which they loved.

On Friday, we went to our good friend's, Craig and Marisa's, beautiful new home to hang out and squeeze their adorable baby, Dash!

James and Henry could not get enough of the baby.  It really was very sweet.

Although the trip home was short, and we packed a lot in, I'm so glad the snow didn't keep us away.  It really was a perfect holiday at home.