Merry Christmas

This year Christmas was celebrated on a whole new level at our house because Mason completely understood the chain of events leading to his presents. Our elf, Chippey, came to visit on the days leading up to the big day to make sure that Mason behaved. He was so excited to have Chippey return to the North Pole and report to Santa. When he woke up Christmas morning it was time for the wrapping paper to fly!! One special present was hiding in the basement, though. That one continues to be a hit!

By his surprise Radiator Springs Cars table

He specifically asked for a microphone and didn't waste anytime putting it to use!

After breakfast we got out of our pajamas and ready for company. Grandma Monica, Papa Gene, Erica & Tyler all came over for dinner and more presents!

Our family by one of our trees at the end of the day!

Holiday Photos

We try to do family photos around the holidays each year. Here are a few of this year's.

Zoo Lights

I've been wanting to go to Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo for a couple of years now. We figured that this was the perfect year since Mason is so into decorations. He, of course, thought it was awesome and still keeps asking to go back!

Some of the lights

 Ice Sculptures

Meeting Santa

 Telling Santa what he'd like

 Riding the carousel with Daddy

Preschool Christmas Party

To celebrate the holidays Mason had a party at school. All the parents were invited for a little performance and cookies. The kids were all very excited to welcome their moms & dads, but the show was put on by mainly the girls. It was funny to see how the boys were so not into it! They all seemed to enjoy sharing cookies though!

Before the show in his reindeer hat

Show time!

Even when bells were involved the boys refused to sing!

More Santa

Every year our homeowner's association sponsors a visit with Santa at a local restaurant. It's a great opportunity to visit the big guy without any lines. Mason took full advantage of this opportunity to share his list!

Children's Museum

Today we spent some Mason & Mommy time at the DuPage Children's Museum. He always has a great time here, but was especially into the trains and water table today!

 

Brunch with Santa

This past weekend we went to the United Club at Soldier Field for their brunch with Santa. It was a very nice event. The kids were encouraged to bring a handmade ornament and toys to donate. Santa was there to visit with as well as an ex Chicago Bear. The Bears' mascot was there and even a traveling circus. After brunch the kids could decorate cookies too! I think that Mason's favorite part was the train though.

 Making sure that his ornament was on the tree

Elf on the Shelf

This is the first year that Mason has had an Elf on the Shelf come to visit. He named his elf Chippey and has been having fun looking for him each morning to see what he's been up to. Our park district had a night where we went to make some things for our elf. We made a bed for him as well as some snacks and games. Mason had fun and even ran into a friend from preschool!

Reading The Elf on the Shelf

 Chippey's bed!

 Making cookies for his elf

 Making Hershey's kisses

"Mason's Park"

Since we finally got the backyard fenced in this summer, it was time to deliver our promise of a swing set. Mason didn't know that he was getting one today and we tried our hardest to keep it a secret while it was being installed.

The reveal

Having a snack in the clubhouse

Swinging!

School Pictures

Santa, Dinner & Tournament

For my birthday I asked to go to Medieval Times. On our way we made our annual trip to Woodfield to see Santa. We got there early and managed to be second in line which was quite exciting. Mason made sure to tell Santa that he'd like trains and cars for Christmas.

We always follow this Santa with lunch at Rainforest Cafe. While eating, Cha-Cha came out to visit.

After some shopping and a brief nap it was time for Dinner & Tournament!

Green team wins!!

Weekend in Indy

We bought Mason tickets to Disney Live: Pirates and Princesses awhile back but were keeping them as a surprise. The tickets were in Indianapolis so we decided to make a weekend out of it. On our way in to town we stopped at the children's museum there. It was huge and Mason loved it as soon as he saw that there were dinosaurs going through the exterior. He had a great time exploring all that there was to see and do there. That place was huge!

The outside of the museum

Posing by Bumblebee

 Digging for fossils

 Showing Spiderman to Daddy

 Putting balls in the chute

 Playing in the river

 Making some music

 Sand table

 Playing in the leaves (he discovered that Nemo was buried in there)

 Launching his boat

 Train table

Driving a race car

Wind tunnel

Digging up the dirt

After a stop at the gift shop, we went to check into our hotel. We booked a room at a hotel where old train cars have been turned into guest rooms. Those rooms reside in a still operating train station. Mason thought it was so cool. He's still talking about his "train car hotel room."

Outside our car

Then next morning Devin ran the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon. Mason and I bundled up and headed out early to watch Daddy!

And they're off...

 Waiting for Daddy near the finish line (mile 13)

 Here comes Daddy...

 My boys

 Mason's turn to wear the medal

After the race we took a walk to the Indianapolis Zoo. It was a nice day out and so many animals were out for viewing. We also had a chance to ride the carousel, train, and see the dolphin show!

Checking out the tigers

 And the giraffes

Riding the carousel

Train ride!

After such a busy day our little guy couldn't even make it through dinner!

The next day was the Disney show. Mason was excited to see all of the characters. He told us that the show was a good surprise.

Grand Finale