December

Even with Christmas right around the corner, we aren't nearly as busy as we are in the summer and fall. So not as much to post about. I am much more likely to stay home when the weather is bitterly cold. I guess I have been busy with stuff at home such as decorating for Christmas, hosting a soup supper, working on Christmas cards, doing some online Christmas shopping and wrapping presents.

We do make it to the important things though....

Ryan's good friend, Aiden, turned 4 at the end of Nov so we went to his swimming party at a local hotel.

Aiden's 4th Birthday

Ryan, Maddy and I swimming

Polar Express - Ryan's favorite movie is Polar Express. He would watch it all year long if we let him. I put it away after Christmas so it will be a fun and exciting again the next year. We did something new this year. We took Ryan to see The Polar Express at the IMAX theater at the Science Center. Oh wow! It was fun and Ryan loved it. He is still talking about it. To anyone who doesn't know, the IMAX theater is dome shaped so the movie is projected all around you. The next weekend we rode the Santa Express Train in Boone. It is based on the Polar Express movie. The kids wore their pj's (just like in the movie) and rode the train to the North Pole. While riding we drank hot chocolate, ate a cookie, read the Polar Express book and sang Christmas carols. The best part is that Santa boards the train to pass out his special sleigh bells.

All ready to go

During part of the ride we went over a high bridge which made it look like we were really flying

Ryan (in the red and white striped hat) up at the front singing

Santa handing out the bells - thanks for the photo, Anna.

Our gang of friends

Ryan is officially on Christmas break from preschool. He had his Christmas party at school on Wednesday. They acted on the Navitity. Ryan was a wiseman following the star to bring gifts to baby Jesus.

Opening his gift exchange present