Countdown to Christmas

It's been such a mild start to winter here, we've been making sure to take advantage of all the park days we can! Gavin and Avery have been going out any chance they can!

They are too sweet playing together on the playground

Now that we are in the full swing of Avery being at school two days a week in the mornings, Gavin is really loving the solo time with everyone.  He is such a ham, and loves playing with all Avery's toys while she's gone. 

Practice for the school Christmas performance

Every year our neighborhood has a holiday festival on our main street! It's something we love going to because there are all sorts of crafts, activities, sleigh rides and of course Santa and Rudolf. 

We always go see our favorite Santa every year but since we were out we thought, let's stop by and say hi.  The kids felt otherwise, and these next four photos are my favorite from this season  - they are both HATING IT!

After that it was the first night of Chanukah, Daddy does the lights at the end of the day with both kiddos every night (almost every).

Not breaking tradition, we headed to 900 North Michigan to see our favorite Santa! This is our fourth year going to see him.  He is the nicest Santa and the kids were great this year! We have learned take a group photo first and then let the kids sit with him by themselves.  Avery had her note and he read everything she asked for. True to form, Mickey was in our photo this year. 

Avery's November Ballet Performance

At the end of every session, Avery's ballet class has a small performance for the parents.  Not a recital yet, since they can barely pay attention still at this age but cute none the less.  This performance was to Frozen music and they all go to dress up like Elsa. This year's also happen to be on Mommy's birthday! What an extra treat for me to watch her "dance"

Fall, First Hair Cuts & Thanksgiving November 2017

We are officially into fall and almost to the holidays, although the weather is nice enough for walks and park visits still.  Gavin is loving his new car he got for his birthday! It's his new way to cruise around the neighborhood, while Avery rides her scooter. 

Gavin got his first hair cut on 11/11/2017 - looking back we could have stood to do this about 2 months earlier but we didn't.  He was so good in the seat and just ate his snacks during his speedy cut.  He looks even more handsome post snips. 

Avery cut her hair cut too

 Avery's new favorite thing to do during Gavin's naps is to make a smoothie.  She makes enough so that Gavin can have some when he wakes up too.  It's a great new way to get her to eat some veggies! We really struggle getting her to try foods and this has seemed to work, so we always add spinach, peas, carrots, squash, or zucchini.

Doesn't like how loud the blender is though

Mommy has the best team - for my birthday they decorated my office full of balloons and streamers! Thanks Danielle and Elizabeth!

Had a lot of fun making a Turkey craft with Avery before leaving for Minnesota for Thanksgiving.

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Minnesota, last year was unusual that we didn't travel but since Gavin was so little it was much easier for us.  We were excited to see all of Dave's family and spend some time with everyone.  Unfortunately Bert's health has been a struggle so we were extra blessed to be able to spend some special time with him and the babies while in town.   Per tradition we spent Thanksgiving at Auntie Nancy's and had her amazing spread of food! And it goes without saying delicious wine and extra little treats mixed in. 

Auntie Nancy's house playing outside

The aftermath of everyone

morning snuggles

 

final hugs before heading home

Before we leave for Thanksgiving, I always put up the Christmas tree.  It removes the heavy lifting when we get home and leaves more time for decorating.  Gavin was so much more curious about the three this year but was really good about not breaking any ornaments.