This holiday season, although busy, gave us plenty of opportunities to reflect on how incredibly fortunate we are. From time with family and friends to creating special traditions around our new home, we were blessed with peaceful and joyful experiences.
Let me begin by saying that we chose to host Thanksgiving dinner for 22 people ten days after we moved into the new house. Maybe it was the paint fumes, but we thought this would be a good idea. Actually, it was! We had a fabulous time with everyone and ate a GREAT meal that I didn't even have to cook. Potluck Thanksgiving is definitely the way to go! The highlight was definitely the talent show/musical extravaganza that followed dinner. What fun and talented family we have!
As always, we ushered in the Christmas season by selecting new ornaments for our little tree and then dining at Red Robin. This year Ethan chose a Snoopy on a train ornament while Lucas illustrated his current love for Disney Princesses by choosing a Snow White ornament. The boys loved decorating the Christmas Tree this year. They took everything very seriously, delighting in each ornament as it was unwrapped and finding a special place for each on the tree.
Ethan was concerned, however, that there were not enough ornaments on the tree, as some needles were still showing. Therefore, we spent an entire morning making new ornaments out of construction paper, tape, crayons and pipe cleaners. Lucas continued his homage to Snow While by constructing an ornament to represent each of the seven dwarfs. Ethan, on the other hand, took more of a modern art approach, created deconstructed pieces such as "Boat," "Car." and "Christmas Octopus." He ended on a traditional note, however, by creating the much needed star for the top of the tree.
The holiday season continued with the annual Christmas cookie decorating party at Gaga and Pop-Pop's. The whole gang was there, including rookie cookie-maker Jacob.
The boys displayed greater skill this year in both their cookie-making and their ability to sneak handfuls of sugar into their mouths. After cookies, the boys helped everyone decorate the Golden family Christmas tree. Everyone was impressed by the seriousness with which they approached their task. They were now tree decorating experts, and they were going to make sure everything turned out just right. "Just right" meaning ninety percent of the ornaments were hung at their eye level.
We were thrilled to discover that our new neighborhood puts on a Holiday concert each year in the park at the end of our block. It was a blast, complete with glow sticks and candy canes for every kid, an appearance by Santa by way of a fire truck with sirens blaring, and hundreds of candles lighting the entire scene. As the weeks went on, the neighborhood became more and more festive, with lights and inflatable snowmen to enjoy.
The weekend before Christmas, we visited Existence Church with the whole Golden clan. The boys had a great time in church, enjoying the music especially. Ethan picked up on the Gloria chorus early and sang "OOOOOOOO" right along with it (and every song after it).
Christmas finally arrived with our annual celebration at Grandma and Grandpa's house. I was so proud of the boys, who were certainly excited about presents, but were overjoyed just to spend time with so many family members that they love. Speaking of presents, they did in fact manage quite a haul. The highlight was definitely the wheelbarrow/outdoor tool sets. Imagine you are three years old, a boy, and just moved into a house with a huge section of the yard filled with nothing but dirt. Wheelbarrow, anyone?
There was so much music at the Heldman/Desimone Christmas, I was thrilled. Joey sang and played guitar, Katie played clarinet, and everyone joined in on Christmas carols. Such a great day!
The next morning, he boys awoke to find what Santa had brought for them. Lucas had specifically requested a "Big Boy Bike," while Ethan had put in an order for a telephone. Santa delivered - a bike to each, a phone for Ethan, a tape measure for Lucas and plenty of books for both. The boys were on their bikes before we could get clothes (or even shoes) on them!
The rest of the day was spent with the Goldens. The boys were again so happy to spend time with family.
They loved all their gifts, especially their first guitar! It has featured prominently in many of our newest home videos.
Once again, music was the theme of the day, and we all enjoyed each other's company into the evening, with tummies full of food and sweet treats.
Thanks to all our wonderful family for such a special holiday season!
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