It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Despite highs in the 70s today and tomorrow (don't hate us - we've had snow and lots of serious COLD weather too), it's beginning to get a bit more festive at the Schwangston house. I love this time of year - it's my favorite. I would start decorating/celebrating shortly after Halloween except that I have too much respect for Thanksgiving and what that holiday means.

We put up our tree just after Thanksgiving, with serious concerns about C's interest. After the first few days, he has been remarkably restrained in touching the tree/lights and rearranging the ornaments (though we did put the breakable ones out of his go-go-gadget reach). Heput the Angel on top and was so excited. Carter has also been pretty good about the rest of the decorations around the house and will even scold himself ("No touch!") if he rearranges some of mama's off-limits holiday items.We've also participated in some DFW holiday activities. With the Lepeska-Price family, we hit the lighting of the Neiman Marcus downtown (where it was not only cold, but raining) and the trains that benefitted Ronald McDonald house at NorthPark. C is really into trains, and I think that he could have stayed in there for hours if we let him. This past Saturday, we saw 101 Dalmations, at Artie's Playhouse in Hurst - thanks to Terrie's free tickets (Amy's good friend). The play was kid-focused and lasted about 30 mins., with Carter sitting on the edge of his sit the entire time. It was a great venue, and I am sure that we will be back for more shows.

One of my personal favorites part of the holidays is the Christmas lights! I am proud to say that my son has definitely followed in my shoes on this tradition. He helped decorate our house and loves to go looking at the lights. We've already hit the famed Arlington neighborhood Interlochen twice (with Aunt KT - Happy Birthday! and also Dr. Eric). I hope that we can make it over to Highland Park this year too. I just love to listen to Christmas music and drink a Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice latte (that part of the tradition goes back to high school with Aimee Cole).Ok, two other favorite traditions are the Christmas goodie factory (we've already been at it twice, sorry no pics) and of course the sending/receiving of Christmas cards...I can see that this blog could keep growing, so I am going to wrap it up. Expect more holiday blogging from me. Meanwhile, I hope that you and your family are staying warm and happy this Christmas...Erin