Winter Fun

I have always loved this time of year.  I love the look of new snow, wearing warm cozy sweaters, and most of all Christmas!  Christmas has always been a special time, not because of presents, but because of the meaning behind it, the way it brings people together and the special time spent with family and friends.  I also LOVE the music!  This year is even more exciting because it is the first one that Wil mostly understands.  He has been having fun learning new songs, decorating the tree, meeting Santa, looking at the lights (which he comments on, "oh beautiful Christmas lights, very sparkly") and reading his Christmas books.  He talks a lot about "Merry Christmas" everyday.  He has even figured out that Santa will bring him a special toy for his stocking, which he has decided should be a "Mr. Tato Head". 

Carefully decorating the tree.  Wil has been very gentle with the ornaments and loves the tree.

Baking Christmas cookies (which despite the recipe saying they would keep their shape, melted into one giant cookie on the pan resulting in Wil saying, "where did the snowman go mommy?")

In addition to the festive Christmas fun, we have also been enjoying the outdoors.  Wil and Daddy go skating almost every night after dinner.  Wil is doing so well, he doesn't need to hold on anymore and if he falls he can get back up all by himself.  Of course he has to have his hockey stick (Daddy bought him a new real one that they cut and taped together) and he loves trying to shoot the puck into the net.  Carson has played in the snow for the first time and Wil has also gone sledding for the first time.  He loved it and giggled the whole way down the hill.

Carson's first time in the snow!

Brothers in the snow!

Chad showing Wil how to go down the hill!

Wil enjoying his first sled ride down a big hill!

(Whoa, that was fast mommy!!)

Playtime by the Christmas tree

(Carson saw his little buddy Ryder standing to play, and has been inspired to do it too!)

It has been fun to see this winter so far through the eyes of a toddler who is understanding it for the first time and to see him really embracing all the activities we have tried.  We are looking forward to more winter adventures and to the next few weeks of holiday cheer and time with family and friends.