We put up our Christmas tree the weekend of Thanksgiving. I was determined that we get it up, because I knew that we wouldn't be able to do it as a family until Dec. 4th if we waited. Dan's work make the holidays a bit more stressful then preferred, but I am just glad I get him during the weekends.
So despite the fact that we all had colds and I looked like Rudolph with my red nose, the tree went up! It looks like it is taking over our little couch. I love how full and tall it is, if only it came pre-lit. It took so long to put up the tree, thanks to our little helper Jake, that we decided to make the decorating our FHE activity for Monday. It was actually nice that way. Prolonging the tree festivities made it all a bit more relaxing. As per Astin tradition, we watched the "Garfield's Christmas Show" and had hot cocoa after the tree was up.
Jacob had a field day hanging ornaments and candy canes on the tree. Dan had the wonderful task of getting the ornaments ready, while Jacob did the bottom half of the tree and I did the top. Derek, well Derek wasn't so much help. I actually put him to bed before we got most of the ornaments out, maybe he can help next year. As my family can attest, I am slightly OCD about the tree and ornaments, so the fact that I let Jake anywhere near it was a big step. I keep mulling over the idea of getting a little tree to stick on the table for next year and calling it " Jacob and Derek's Tree", where we can hang all of the adorable ( but clashing ) ornaments that the kids make.
Here is Derek playing next to the tree, and yes I have to redecorate the tree ( the bottom part) at least once a day.
My dear Mother-in-law invited us to a 'Breakfast with Santa' at UVU, Julie and kids where also able to go. It was lots of fun for the kids. They had little craft stations for the kids to make decorations, and little activities like ' put the nose on the reindeer' and 'ice fishing'. On a side note about the ice fishing... Jacob got a whistle. WHY would you ever give children whistles!
We also did are anual Gingerbread House Extravaganza over at my parents house, but I think that deserves its own blog entry, so that will be coming later.
This weekend we decided to give Santa another try, seeing that Derek freeked out when he saw him at UVU. Cabala's had Santa come, so we went. Here is Derek as we where walking around seeing the fish.....
And when he saw Santa
He was so sad! His face is all wrinkly and after this picture was taken it was all red! Jacob had a great time. Told Santa he wanted a guitar, dinosaurs, a pretend reindeer, and a dragon.
This Christmas has been so fun with Jacob. He is old enough to really enjoy the season. He is super excited for Jesus' birthday and Santa to come to the house.
Free day at the Aquarium... actually not as busy as my worst scenario. I went 15 minutes before it opened and there where only a few people in line, by the time we left the line was through the parking lot wrapping all the way around and back. Yea, glad I went early. Jacob had a blast! He has always had a love for the creatures of the sea.I blame Nemo and Sword in the Stone.
Derek thought the Jellyfish where simply mesmerizing, we where watching the jellyfish for almost twenty minutes before we moved on. I think we might have a fish tank in our future with these kids.
Jacob would just sit and talk to the penguins, asking them to fly. The man that the aquarium thought he would educate my child on the flightless nature of penguins ( as if I haven't tried) this is how the conversation went. "Young man, did you know penguins are great swimmers but can't fly?", Jacob replied, " Yes they can, they just have to eat the magic food, just ask Santa." Jacob said it so matter-of-factly that the guy had no comeback.
We also went to Museum Mondays at the Dino museum. It was tons of fun like always. Jacob made these antlers... well he colored them then I cut them out. He loved them so much that he wore them till they broke. Yes, he was so distraught that I had to make another pair at home.
They also painted red noses on the kids, he was in reindeer heaven. He informed me he was Reindeer Jacob.
Then Mrs.Clause helped the kids make reindeer cookies! She was even nice enough to give Derek some of the pretzels to eat.
Jacob was very focused as he made his cookie, he was determined to make it perfect. He was so proud of it! After he finished Mrs.Clause said he could now eat it it, which he replied no. He wanted to take it home and put it next to his gingerbread house!
I am enjoying Christmas so much because of these two little boys! They make the season magical again ( yes that is sappy to say, but true) Hope you guys are having a great holiday!
