Not-So City Mouse: December 2017

It's the last day of the year and I always feel a mix of feelings on this day- excitement for the potential in the upcoming year and sadness that another year has passed and is over. This month was extra busy with holiday activities, visits with friends and family, and CHRISTMAS! At the beginning of the month, we had a fun playdate with Noah's best buddy, Jake. These two are so much fun to watch when they're together.

Three little guys.

So many giggles!

The beginning of the month was also Lyz's birthday and Carrie had the great idea to decorate her house in the cover of night. It was so fun to set everything up, but even more fun to hear about how much Lyz enjoyed the surprise!

Blowing up balloons and making paper candles...

Done! We're lucky the neighbors didn't question our antics!

Christmas has been in full-swing all month in our house. Despite illness in the middle of the month (and Noah's first nebulizer treatment and x-rays at the doctor- luckily it was just a virus), we've been busy doing all things related to Santa, presents, and reindeer.

I decided to try dying play scarves this year as gifts for Noah and friends with kids. I was surprised at how easy it was and how vibrant the colors turned out. This might be a new go-to gift idea!

Noah loved all the Christmas cards we got!

It looks like we're getting a green Christmas.

Visiting reindeer at the local library

Checking out the gingerbread house at Epic

Enthralled by Christmas movies

Let's go visit Santa!

Waiting patiently in line...

...and after an epic meltdown. Santa is scary!

Anyone who works at a school knows that the week before winter break is one of the toughest of the year. Everyone is just ready for a break from each other and it's almost impossible to actually get any work done. Fortunately we had some fun things planned which kept the week going quickly. We had our annual ceramics sale which is always fun, I exchanged gifts with my awesome colleagues who are always so thoughtful, and yeah... my students talked me into letting them play with shaving cream on the tables on the last Friday before break. I mean, why not?!

Ready for customers!

So messy. So fun.

And FINALLY... it was CHRISTMAS! This is the first year since Noah was born that we decided to stay in Madison. It was nice to avoid the 12 hour trip in the car and just relax at home. We had lots of fun in the snow (it ended up being a white Christmas after all!), making gingerbread houses, reading books, and playing with our new toys. This was the first year that Noah really got into everything- he was so excited to leave cookies and milk for Santa, and even more excited to find them eaten and footprints all over the house! It was a magical day!

Such a grown-up little guy.

Reading with Grandma!

Jordan used the extra time to catch up on his naps :)

Decorating gingerbread houses! And of course, you must sample the candy for quality assurance.

Go dad do! Noah loves his new sled.

A blustery day with family!

Big shovel, little shovel.

Hmmm... someone was here!

Following footprints through the house.

So much mess and fun and excitement!

Finishing the advent calendar with the star on top!

Yay for Christmas!

I think Keith got the best gift.

And... here are some more pics from this week. We've had a great few days at home together playing with our Christmas toys, running around in the snow, and exploring Epic and the Madison Children's Museum. I'm not ready to go back to work!