What we've been up to.... December edition

With December came lots of fun activities - it seemed like each day we had something new to do. Sharing the traditions of the holiday season with Ruby was so fun this year, her level of excitement was contagious. Simple things like going to the mall to see the decorations or going on an after dinner "Christmas light walk" are full of fun. We never grew tired of hearing her exclaim "OH MY GOSH!" and "WOW -Look at THAT!" 

This year Chris and I found ourselves really appreciating things we once overlooked or just took for granted - we love seeing everything thru Ruby's eyes. We most certainly have a better understanding of "those" homes we once thought were so cheesy, you know, the ones with all the crazy lights and a million outdoor Christmas decorations. Never before have I driven around ohhing and awwing over blow up penguins, snowmen, Santa, and reindeer but we found ourselves doing that quite a bit this month. So fun! 

Here are some photos of our other activities this month:

I am still amazed by this photo. The powers of candy and peer pressure are strong! Just minutes before this picture was taken there was NO way Ruby was going to sit with Santa. She kept repeating "I no like Santa" and clinging to me. But then it happened - Connor sat with Santa and got a CANDY CANE! That was a game changer. Ruby literally put on a brave face and walked right over to Santa. So proud of my big girl!

"Just hand over a candy cane...."

Ruby picked out our Christmas tree this year. She did a great job!

Decorating the Christmas tree. Ruby had a great time hanging ornaments on the tree and helping Daddy put the star on top!

One of Ruby's favorite things this year was going to see the Snoopy house which was at City Hall. So fun to share a tradition that I grew up enjoying as a kid!

There were tears when we left the Snoopy House and the next morning the first thing out of Ruby mouth was a request to go back!

A couple nights later Papa babysat so Chris and I could do some Christmas shopping. Guess who got to go back to the Snoopy house? Thanks Papa!

No fooling this girl. "Santa" showed up at the front door of Nana and Papa house last week. Ruby answered the door and said, "That not Santa, That PAPA!" We were floored. Papa continued to play the part and Ruby went along with it. Smarty pants!

This might be my favorite picture of the season this year. LOVE IT!

We of course ended the night singing The 12 Days of Christmas. It's really a hilarious tradition. I am not sure how it's possible but we seem to be getting WORSE as the years go by....