Santa Visit

Today was really warm and gorgeous out so after nap we decided to head to RTC to look at all the Christmas lights, get cookies and see if Santa was doable. I was not interested in waiting in line so we did not tell Owen that was what we were doing. But in preparation I got the boys in their nice clothes. It was a success, no line and the Santa was amazing. Beautiful inside with a ton of trees to look at and then a wonderful set-up. It was cheaper than the mall Santa who shoes you away after one chance at a picture. The photographer took multiples and we got to choose and then Owen and Aiden had around 10 minutes to talk to Santa. Owen LOVED it, and was very into telling Santa all he wanted. Aiden was very interested in Santa, giving constant smiles, pulling up to see him and even laughing at him. He even told Santa that Aiden wants a baby bird. Huh?!? Not sure where they came from. But now I have a list in hand from Owen.

After Santa we enjoyed some cookies while watching the train and then had a ton of fun playing around the big Christmas tree. Both boys loved the lights and had fun all playing together. Poor Omer is never in the family outing pictures, he is always behind the camera. Next time!

Playtime at the Big Tree

Owen Admiring Lights

Christmas Tree Owen
Aiden Exploring Lights
Christmas Tree Aiden

Then we started to play a very fun game. The boys would start on opposite ends and then Owen would run towards us, and Aiden would fly to him, and then the tickling and laughing began.

Owen Tickling a Giggling Aiden

On Their Way

The Boys Playing at the Tree

Laughing Owen

Laughing Aiden

So Many Tickles

Aiden Anticipating the Tickle Monster Owen

Me and Aiden, Owen wouldn't come because he was too busy playing with an older boy.

Christmas Baby

On the way to the car we passed a "forest" of lighted trees. Owen and I had fun playing peek-a-boo behind the trees and then running through to the end. Can you find us?

Owen and Aiden with Santa

Cheesey Smile Owen

Smiley Aiden

Holiday Decorating

All the Santa's, snowmen, lights, etc are out of the boxes and scattered through our house and outside. The boys and I had fun decorating the house and front yard. I really think they just enjoyed the new and fun things to jingle, swing, and play with.

Owen collected the safe ornaments to play with.

This rocking snowman has proved to a favorite every year. Owen loves to make him rock.

Aiden laughing at the snowman.
Taking a turn at pushing the snowman.

Owen actually helped me put the see-sawing bear and penguin together.

Helping them see-saw.

Aiden watching us work.

Taking a turn with the see-saw.

The pups came out as well, which meant Owen had to chase them.

Taking a moment to tickle Chloe.

Then something amazing happened, Chloe laid down as normal, then Owen came to sit with her for snuggles, and then as always Chester came over to sit with her (they always lay together outside), then to top it off Aiden crawled over to sit with the rest of his siblings. I tried my best to get a good picture of all my babes hanging out together, but when dealing with four, hard to get them all to look and smile at once but I just loved this moment.

Little Scientist

Owen likes to take the toilet paper holder out and one night he brought it to dinner and then told us that he needed to take it outside and put it in the bubbles and make bubbles. I was skeptical that this would work but Omer had faith. He and Owen were right, it made bubbles. I couldn't believe it. Owen of course was pleased with his new discovery. Here's to letting your kid explore and discover things around him.

Aru Family Dinner

We had Omer's family over for dinner. I made a couple new dishes and was pretty pleased. Everything went smoothly except Owen being in rare form. He was pretty moody and just acting up. But after we all finished eating (he did not sit with us) him and his best buddy Jorge went in the other room and had the best time ever. Aiden of course showed off all his skills and lots of chatter.

Aiden, the Center of Attention

Owen and his Buddy Jorge

Chloe Pillow

Owen was playing cars on the couch while Chloe napped. Then we looked over and he was just laying on her, both of them so content.

Reston Holiday Parade

This event has never gone well for us and this year was the same. I am determined to have a wonderful family time at the holiday parade...one of these years. :) The first year, Owen has woken early that morning so was melting by 11, the start time, and on top of it all it was bitter cold. So we left at 11 and Owen fell asleep in the car. Last year, we celebrated Thanksgiving that day with my family so we missed it. And then this year, Aiden caught Owen's cold (and is cutting a tooth) so we were exhausted from a very long night, but I was determined to go. Owen was excited and I was excited. I think Omer would have preferred to stay home. But once again it was pretty cold and very windy. My boy does not like the wind. And the parade runs very slow, so we made it through about 20 minutes and Owen announced loudly, "Go away wind. I want to go home." So the outing wasn't a total bust we walked over to the hotel and watched the train display. The boys were much happier. Maybe this event will be all I want it to be when the boys are older.

In the beginning, Owen wanted to hide from the wind in the stroller.

Then I held him and we watched the parade. Parade Watching Parade Watching Bag-Pipers Winter Owen Winter Aiden Old Time Fire Truck
That was a BIG hit Ballet Dancers
Dinosaur Balloon Train Display Watching Trains Playing with the Snow