December was busy...

 Bebe "retired" and the university had a very nice party we were all able to attend.

We hosted Christmas Eve in our new house...

with chili on the stove, the first fire in our fireplace and falling snow outside.

Things were pretty cozy.

 We hosted Christmas morning with the grandparents. It was one of Ben's best Christmases ever. He loved everything about it and ripped open his gifts with so much gusto and excitement. Every gift was "WOWWWWW a Star Wars Guy!!!!" or "WOWWWWW a t-shirt!!!" He loved giving gifts as well this year, so that was nice to see.

We also went to Uncle and Auntie's for lunch where Miss Mags was pretty excited.

Excited to say "hi" to her favorite Joe, that is! "Where's Joe, hiiiiii, Joe!!"

This happens every five minutes, or so.

She'll be embarrassed about that some day...

It's hard to leave your new toys, even for one second for a potty break.

It's best to bring them into the bathroom.

Winter Party at School

Little did I know that "parent volunteer" would mean making the treats, organizing the craft and game for the school party. But we had a great time and I'm glad I could help before the baby arrives!

Thankfully Ben was all healthy and ready to celebrate with his classmates (he had a touch of the unspeakable sickness I hate earlier in the week - ugh).

Currant Cookies & First Snow

We made our annual currant cookies last weekend. Ben loved it and was really involved in the baking this year. Notice our new cookie cutters (thanks L&J - LOVE THEM!!!)? Yes, they are Star Wars - how awesome is that?! We also had our first snow... it's beginning to look like Christmas!!

Breakfast with Santa (and two Grandmas)

We had such a nice morning with Bebe and Bubba for Breakfast with Santa. There were tons of activities that Ben loved - Shrinky Dink ornaments, letter-writing to Santa, face painting, cookie decorating, etc. He wasn't shy around Santa at all and was chatting it up with him for quite a bit. He also spoke to Mrs. Claus and told me afterwards, "Mom, that was Santa's girl!!"

Piano Man-

Thankfully we had room for our piano in our new house. It's only been in "storage" at Bubba & Grampy's for nine years!!!! It seems that Ben is going to take after his Daddy musically (although, let's not forget, I did ROCK the clarinet in 6th grade band). Ben definitely has an ear for music and playing songs - Joe is even teaching him "Jingle Bells" for Christmas.

Hank the Cowdog & Native American Headband

Ben got these chapter books in the mail from our friends Stuart and Linny in California. He was VERY excited to get mail and has been carrying the books all around "reading" them. We read the first chapter, and will see how long his attention lasts. He's really into reading and spelling these days. He wants to know what letter every word starts with. I think we'll have a reader pretty soon! I need to post his Christmas list... he spent about 45 minutes writing it.

Ben made this at school for Thanksgiving. Love it!