Santa's Wonderland

Over the hills and through the woods to Santa's Wonderland we went!

We left right after school Monday night. Jackson was SO excited on the way there and being super sweet. It was packed by the time we got there.

We ran into some friends from church and hung out with them for the night. First up was the hayride through the lights. 

 Jackson sat up front with Preston and Alexis. They oohed and aahed and sang Christmas songs the whole time. Lincoln wasn't sure what to think about all the lights. 

They blow out fake snow, and Jackson loved jumping around under it.

By the time the hayride was over, we really only had time for a snack before we left. Jackson was content with some hot cocca and funnel cake.

I wish it wasn't so busy, but regardless of the crowds we enjoyed the lights and had fun together!

Christmas Program

Last week, Jackson had his Christmas Program for school. He did a great job. He knew every word and motion and was right on the mark with each one. He was also so serious up there while singing, except on one part of Santa Clause is coming to town. 

When he sang "he sees you when your sleeping" he made the cutest face. He was cracking me up!!

 So proud of my boy

 Jackson and his friend

Lincoln was supposed to be in the program too. He was sound asleep when we got there, and I wasn't going to wake him since he doesn't nap at school. 

But, he would have been the cutest Rudolph!

Seven Months of Lincoln

Lincoln has accomplished many things this last month!

 He weighs about 18 1/2 pounds and around 28 inches long. He is now wearing all 9-12 months clothes and still size 3 diapers.

 He is now eating 3 meals and drinking 6 bottles a day. He weaned himself from nursing, but I am still pumping 4 times a day. He has tried oatmeal cereal, peas, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, acorn and butternut squash, prunes, bananas, peaches, pears, and applesauce. His favorite has to squash and pears. He is a great eater like his big brother!!

 He is sleeping from around 8 at night until 5 in the morning. He does not nap well at school, maybe 45 minutes a day. At home he takes 2 longer naps and a shorter one each day.

 He is now sitting up independently, pushing himself up, scooting himself forward to get items he wants, and has 2 teeth on the bottom. The top teeth are making there way in now. He is "talking" up a storm and constantly smiling. He loves bath time, especially when he gets in the tub with Jackson.

Lincoln,
You are seriously the sweetest baby! You are so smiley and happy most of the time. I hope you never lose that joy. Christmas time is even more fun with both your brother and you. He loves you so much and is making sure we don't forget to buy you some toys:) Jackson looks for you first thing every morning and loves to play with you. I pray that you two will be best friends. Thank you for bringing so much joy and love to our lives. I love watching you grow and can't wait to see what God has in store for your life.
Love, Mommy

School Pictures

The boys had their pictures taken at school. 

I was still am dying over the cuteness of them; especially Lincoln!

Jackson had a few other poses to choose from too, but I went with the classic school pose.

I can't wait to get these in a frame and hung!

Gingerbread House

We made one big Gingerbread House together. 

Jackson always has a blast during this activity!

After a quick trip to Target for graham crackers, frosting, and some candy we were ready to build. Brian constructed the house, and Jackson and I did the decorating (and eating)! Our house turned out pretty cute and held up well.

All while we were making the house Jackson would say things like, "So awesome", "Great idea, Mom", "Look at my pattern", "This is so neat." Love when he is so into something and thinks it is fun!

Lincoln was hanging out close by, sitting up like a big boy.

Santa

We took the boys to see Santa this weekend. We always go to Bass Pro Shop because have a real looking Santa, a nice backdrop, and the main reason is they give you one picture for free!

Jackson was super shy. He just stood there and smiled in awe. I think Lincoln was pretty taken by the jolly fellow too!

And... best part of the night was when we were leaving the mall and Jackson said, "I wish we could have stay until 8 o'clock and watch him fly home." Brian and I were trying to hold in our laughter in the front. LOVE my sweet boy!

The Holiday Spirit

We have been having lots of fun with our Advent calendar. It is not pre-planned, but more spur of the moment tying Jesus to some fun Christmas activities. Jackson is LOVING it and that is all that matters!

Jesus is the LIGHT of the world!

We decorated the house and tree. Jackson said he was Daddy's Christmas helper.

He chose Turbo the snail as his ornament for this year despite my pleas for something else:)

]

We also went to the Parade of Lights with some friends. 

It was a cold night in the stable the night of Jesus' birth.

We had hot cocca to warm up and read a Christmas story.

Mary and Joseph traveled a LONG way to Bethlehem.

We made a LONG chain to count down the days to Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

We read the Candy Cane Story, ate candy canes, and made a candy cane.

 Jesus gives us many gifts. What gift can we give him?

Jackson opened a gift. We had a pizza and movie night by the fire.

Christmas is so much fun with kids! I love seeing the excitement in Jackson's eyes and watching him learn more about the real reason we celebrate and giving to others. We still several more fun activities planned, I can't wait!