Polar Express

Cousin Robin and Chase got to go on a ride to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express!

We boarded a train and were given hot chocolate and cookies while we sang Christmas carols and watched for elves and reindeer.

Once we arrived at the North Pole, we were greeted by a singing choir and then sat down to listen to a man read the Polar Express book to us. The book is about another little boy who travels to visit Santa. He gets one wish for a Christmas present and chooses a bell from Santa's sleigh. He promptly loses his bell but Santa nicely returns it on Christmas morning.

The problem with our experience is that Santa made Chase cry - a lot! Still, the elves gave Chase a nice reindeer bell that Chase brought home and lost down our central vac shoot. No nice Santa is ever going to be able to return Chase's bell (Daddy left it in the trap in the basement).

Holiday Dinner

At our friends' house tonight, we practiced posing for holiday card pictures. Everyone looks slightly crazed. Check out their dog's tongue - that cat better watch out!

Spirit

We've been getting into the holiday spirit and having a lot of fun decorating our front entrance.

Chase is finding out that snow and cold weather is actually a ton of fun.

Picking a Tree

We went out this morning to find a great, outdoor Christmas tree to light up our porch.

Chase was intrigued by the process and seemed baffled by the fact that we would be bringing a tree home with us.

Professional Haircut

Though Chase has had several haircuts by now, we thought it was time to capture how professional his look has become.

He is always such a good boy at the salon though he loves that there is a dog around to torture.

Tiring Out

Chase has been practicing calisthenics and running laps in the house. All that exercise sure wears him out.

Bye, Bye Hanukkah

Livi and Audrey came over to help send of Hanukkah. It was fun to have dinner with our "extended family".

Of course, the candles were a big hit. And, then, all the kids got to open a present but Audrey and Chase ended up fighting over Livi's baby toy.

Chase's new thing is that he has to snuggle all of his favorite things before bed. This includes Lovey, Bat, Baby and Bear - all at once. Every night he asks for each one and is not happy till he has them all in his arms. It takes quite a while to find a comfortable position in bed with keeping all these snuggies within reach.