We were very lucky to arrive in Canada on the day that there was no snow, because we certainly got pounded while we were there. And then it rained and almost all went away and then just before we left it all came back. Lots of fun for Alex.

A Visit with Baby Sienna

We got to see Casandra, Ed and sweet baby Sienna while in London. I got to hold Sienna almost the whole time while she slept peacefully and then when she woke promptly returned her to mama. She truly is a beautiful baby and has wonderful parents too. Alex could care less about the baby but sure loved playing with all of her stuffed animals.

Family

Family pictures.

Canada

We were greeted in Canada by lots of snow. Luckily we were very prepared with lots of snow pants, mittens and warm clothing (thanks to Lorra E). Alex loved the snow despite having a very hard time walking in it. We got to build a snowman, go toboganning with Liam and shovel lots and lots of snow. Here are a few pictures of all the fun.

Now that is a Cheese Tray

Sarah always goes all out in everything she does. Her cheese tray is no exception. It was the most impressive display of cheese I have ever seen and boy oh boy did I dive in. Definitely picture worthy.

My Christmas Decorations

Since we were going to Canada for the holidays this year we didn't really want to go to the bother of putting up lights and such. OUr neighbour Ziggy gave me some garland that I had no idea what to do with. This is the result!!

Saturday Adventures

Today Alex and I had the best day!! Ever since moving to Texas I have been looking for a good bagel store. Well I finally found an Einsteins and it is not too far away. So today while Jay was working Alex and I ventured to Cedar Park and had our breakfast there. Alex has a cinnamon raison with peanut butter and I had an asiago with cream cheese-yum-yum. On our way home we stumbled upon a new park (new to us) off of 1431. The park had the best playscape and even had a train that was running with the nicest conductor. We had a ride and we both loved it!! Today was December 20th and it was probably about 80 degrees out!!

Totally Rad 80's Party

Tonight Alex and I (Jay had to work) to our playgroup's Christmas party which was 80's themed and costumes were required. Not being the most creative person in the world I made Alex a RELAX-DON"T DO IT a la George Michaels t-shirt and made me a Wake Me up before you go-go t-shirt. He actually won a prize for best costume!!

Trail of Lights

We went into Austin last night to see the world famous Trail of Lights. It was pretty spectacular. There were lights all through Zilker Park. Some trees were literally covered on every single branch. It was very impressive. I was a little apprehensive about going because of parking stress and it was late etc. but I was so glad we did. It was very user friendly. We parked at Waterloo Park and then took the shuttle which was all part of the experience. We had dinner at Chuy's first which was also very lit up. This is the kind of thing that if we stay here I would like to make a family tradition.

My Favorite Outfit

Alex loves his red cowboy boots. When Jack and Maifa visited this past summer she really wanted to get Jack a pair of cowboy boots. After a long search we finally found them. Alex decided he wanted a pair too. They were way too big for him then but now they finally fit him and he wears them everywhere, school, on the swing, around the house!! Since all his shoes and boots are accessible to him he will often put them on himself and then get his hat and ride around the house on his hobby horse. This picture is of him with Jay outside, we hadn't even gotten pants on yet but that makes the picture even cuter.

Breakfast at the Firestation

The local Georgetown Fire Station hosted a breakfast with Santa Claus today. We got to go and eat sausage and pancakes and sit in Santa's lap (or in our case stand beside Santa). The best part was exploring all the fire trucks and the station. Alex got his sticky syrupy fingerprints all over that shiny truck. All the proceeds from this event went to under privileged children in the neighbourhood. I was kind of surprised he wouldn't sit in Santa's lap because he had no problem at the library, but he certainly wasn't going to budge.

The Grocery Store

This is how we grocery shop!

Gingerbread House

Jay and Alex decorated our gingerbread house today. Alex enjoyed eating the candy more than decorating but eventually got the hang of putting the candy on the house.

Cookie Decorating

I love this time of year!! There are so many fun activities to do and they all focus around eating sweet treats. Today Alex and I decorated cookies. He loved eating the dough -gee, wonder where he gets that from. Some of the cookies got a little too much sprinkling but they all turned out very yummy and quickly got eaten.

Bed Full of Bears

Alex's latest thing to do is to fill his crib with absolutely every stuffed animal in the house. And then he wants to get in there and play, and then he wants mummy to get in too!!!

Georgetown Stroll

On Saturday there was a parade and shopping stroll event in G-town. This was our second parade of the season and Alex really liked it. He got tons of candy and that was with me diverting a lot of it towards me (I think he had enough). After we went and saw the animals that they had at Bethlehem Village and walked around a lot!!

Visit with Santa

We went to the Georgetown Library today to see Santa. Alex didn't care too much for Santa last year so I wasn't quite sure how he would react. Well he actually sat on his lap but did not smile or say a word except for "teddy" which is what he wants for Christmas, (he only has 12 Teddies so he feels he needs more). The fact that Santa was handing out candy canes certainly helped Alex and a lot of other children warm up to him. Always helps me!!

My New Do

Here is a picture of my new haircut.

Our Holiday Photos

These are the photos from San Gabriel Park-we chose two to go on our Holiday card this year which you will all receive just as soon as I can address all my envelopes-