December

I'm so very excited for Sean to experience Christmas this year. He is fully mobile, aware of his surroundings, entertained by observing things, can laugh, talk and do so much more than Xmas last year.
    'Tis the season for going and doing so we have a countdown to Christmas calendar with fun things to do as a family. Now we won't be going big everyday, but there are several activities we want to include. When I started jotting down activities I could only come up with 6! Looks like we will be adding some silly and random things into the mix as well.
    We kicked off December with a local event at our Alma Mater. Baylor's Christmas on 5th Street was conveniently scheduled on the 1st! We have been the past several years and it is loaded with sights and sounds and animals! The lines are always very long for the carriage ride, pony ride and Santa so we skipped those. But we did take Sean into the petting zoo with goats and donkeys, we ran around the quad while listening to a live band, had a family photo, and ran into several friends.
    They had a photographer set up in front of a fireplace and couch for portraits. Oh Baylor, you're so thoughtful! The best part was having a photo of all four of us... in one photo. Those are rare for sure! I hope it turned out decent.
    In addition to the activity countdown calendar I found a printout for an advent chain on Pinterest. Each day has a name of Jesus and a verse reference.

Countdown to Christmas activities:
Friday and Saturday night we strolled our neighborhood to check out the Christmas lights. The weather was not too cold and it was a nice post dinner walk.

Kayla bundled during our walk

Sean taking in the magic

the best houses are the most chaotic

Kayla as Baby Jesus 

 Then Sunday night we went to our church life group for some good fellowship. All the kids participated in the Nativity scene.
I mentioned before we also have a paper advent chain with the names of Jesus. We forgot to read the verses from the first 3 nights. So, we read them tonight.
 December 1st's verse was...

 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Revelation 22:13

December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th were all this verse...

For to us a child is born,

   to us a son is given;

 and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

   and his name shall be called 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Are you already saying Merry Christmas to people? I am.