Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

We have had uncharacteristically Christmas like weather this year in Texas. It has actually been cold enough to require coats on more than one occasion. It even snowed! Of course, it didn't stick around long, but every little kid I know made good use of the white slush, Alastair included.

At first he refused to wear gloves. That didn't last long.

Gloves made it way easier to scoop up the white stuff. Perfect for lobbing snow balls/clumps at Daddy, home for lunch. It was a really wet snow, so Alastair made the most of it until he was wet enough to come inside. It was still fun to watch it come down from the window though. You can tell when he realizes that I'm videoing him, right? I think we have a performer on our hands!

On Saturday, we took Emery and Alastair to meet Santa at the mall. Bass Pro Shops has a "winter wonderland" set up with free Santa pictures. Alastair wasn't at all scared to meet Santa this year, although perhaps a little shy when it was his turn. He told Santa that he wanted a scooter this year. Emery kept Santa guessing but I'm pretty sure she wants a pony.


Because she is underrepresented in photos, here is our sweet girl flirting with Daddy. I haven't gotten a full smile yet on camera, but rest assured that she is doling them out all day long now. Except, it seems, when I have the camera handy.

Later in the afternoon, we went to pick out our Christmas Tree. A tree that has already generated plenty of drama, but that is a story for another post.

This one!
After nap, we headed back out for Kim's company Çhristmas party. In normal years, this would have been a perfect settup: they rented out the Farm and Ranch Club and had all sorts of outdoor activities for adults and kids alike. This day, however, it was in the 40's so Emery stayed with the grands and we did an expedited version of the party.

Here, Alastair and Kim enjoy a hayride. Through a parking lot. Clearly, Alastair is loving every minute of the "tractor ride" in spite of a lack of authenticity.

Santa #2 of the day! This time Alastair said he wanted a tractor, not a little one, but a big one.