16 months

In December, Charlotte turned 16 months old. She was not interested in smiling for my picture and really turned on the waterworks when I told her that she couldn't read her books. I must have promised her a cookie, because she cheered up pretty quickly.

Christmas Concert Cutie

Wyatt participated in the annual Christmas concert at school. This was the first year Noah wasn't in a Christmas program since he was a toddler. He didn't seem to mind and was simply happy to see some of his old friends perform that were enrolled in the daycare's Kindergarten. Wyatt stood for the performance this year, but did not really appear to participate. In fact, most of his class didn't participate, but it was still fun to see him up on the big stage. He's the one in the green and ivory striped sweater.

 

Making Cookies

I took off one Wednesday before Christmas because Noah didn't have school and it was the perfect day to have our annual cookie baking day. The boys helped me to make our usual sugar cookies and toffee nut bars.

  

Charlotte woke up from her nap just in time to help eat them. The girl loves cookies.

Somebody get this girl a cookie. Charlotte freaking out because she was just out of reach of dozens of delicious cookies. Poor little cookie monster.

Bass Pro Christmas

Another tradition that we started a couple years ago was visiting the Promenade in Bolingbrook and then walking over to Bass Pro Shop to enjoy their Christmas cheer. Last year we were disappointed that the large tree in the promenade did not light up to music, but thankfully they brought it back this year.

We love that Bass Pro offers a free holiday carousal.

As well as other free activities like a ball pit and gallery games. One year I think we will have to visit Bass Pro Santa, but we'll have to plan it for a non-weekend because he's a popular guy.

Special Delivery

We mailed letters to Santa this year so we could utilize the awesome new Letters to Santa mailbox outside Village Hall. I wrote both letters, but asked for input from both boys on what to put in the letter. In Wyatt's letter, I also included a line about what Charlotte might want for Christmas. Noah did write his name and Santa's name on his envelope.

On one of the coldest nights of the year, we headed over to the Commons to mail our letters. Hopefully Santa will be able to bring us what we asked for!

Svithiod Time

What would December be without a snowy holiday party with the Svithiod Lodge (seriously, it always snows). Charlotte amused herself with cups and silverware while the boys did activity books. The best part was that we were the first ones to show up at our table. That never happens!