Christmas Decorating 2008

I know it is a little ridiculous, but we decorated our tree over the weekend. I guess we're not too ridiculous since the Highley's beat us to the punch. This was the best decorating year yet. Cameron and Mackenzie really got into it. I worked for a little while on Saturday and when I got home Ryan had the Christmas music playing and chicken wings going. We have always made a big deal about decorating for Christmas. Even before we had kids, we played Christmas music, and had fun snacks and made a special weekend of it. Since we've had kids I've been waiting for them to react the way they did this year. They were so excited about all of the decorations. They loved hanging stuff on the tree and they sang along with Christmas music. They hid in the Christmas tree box and pushed each other around in empty totes. They were just so sweet. The Mickey Mouse snow globe that plays music was a huge hit as were the fiber optic moose and snowman. They had so much fun together and got along so well. Mackenzie is shocking with how much she seems to get and understand about Christmas. She is just so smart and articulate. Cameron is obsessed with Santa. He wants to know when he is coming and which Batman toys he will bring. Every time we pass a Salvation Army bell ringer Cam gives them money. We have told him what the money is for. One time he stopped some people who walked by and told them they forgot to put money in. They are so full of spirit and happiness. My mission in life is to create warm, fuzzy, childhood memories for the two of them like the one's I have. I'm pretty sure this year we nailed it.

 

Halloween 2008

Halloween was great with the kids this year. They were both so excited about trick or treating and their costumes. We played trick or treat the whole week before halloween. We would take turns knocking on Mackenzie's bedroom door and one of us would be inside to give out candy. Cameron was Batman and Mackenzie was a puppy dog. Michael teased Cam that since he is Batman everyday of the year he should dress up as Cameron for halloween. Mac really got into the actual trick or treating. Normally she is a little shy and wants to be on my hip when we are away from home, but she was first in line at every door with no thoughts of where I was to get her candy. We had 3 halloween parties to go to and the kids had a blast at all of them. The neighborhood party was first and we had a bonfire and the kids ran around and played then went on a hay ride. For a solid week Mackenzie told anyone who would listen, "I'm going to a halloween party at Ethan's next weekend." Luckily it was as fun as she built it up to be. The kids had such a good time. Everyone dressed up, adults included. Ryan and I were Danny and Sandy. All in all I think we packed as much fun as you could pack into one holiday. It felt a little like Christmas because there was a little bit of a let down for the kids when it was all over. But can't every day pretty much be halloween when you are 4 and you dress up as Batman and eat lollipops everyday anyway.