It’s beginning to look at lot like winter…..

Here’s a look at how we wrapped up 2013.  Bundled, cozy and laying low.  I’m not even sure that Aiden and Chris totally grasped that New Years and New Years Eve were anything other than ordinary days and I’m okay with that. 

The sweet little red velvet Christmas outfit was one worn by Chris and Aiden.  My most favorite pictures of them at that age is in this get-up with the same toothless grin we were able to capture on Jake.  I just adore his smile.  So genuine, so innocent, so loving. 

Poor little man got dressed up as the worst looking snowman ever.  We had our fun though {Mike said he will deny having anything to do with this someday when Jake is old enough to ask questions.  I will take full responsibility as I just love having someone to dress up}! 

And of course, a post wouldn’t be a post without “keeping things fair” so we have our lovely older specimens looking dapper in their bedtime attire {Chris – Top, Aiden – Bottom).

We wrapped up the beginning of our week and school vacation with a fun play date in Ludlow with our friends the Sylvestre’s.  It’s always fun seeing houses decked out for the Holidays and the Sylvestre’s moved back to the area earlier this year and we are oh so happy!  Their home is charming, cozy and a fun place for the kids to just be kids.  We all had a blast and our morning flew by. 

Next we were off to Amherst for another fun get together with our friends the Schillings.  Their girls are so good to our boys.  It’s safe to say that Aiden and Chris adore them and I am always happy to be in their company as they are one sweet family and so much fun!

Monday night Mike and I decided to be a bit spontaneous.  If you know me, you know thats typically not my style.  I guess having school vacation for 10 days has thrown me for a loop!  So, after we arrived home from a day of fun with friends, we packed up and headed out again to Bright Nights in Forest Park.  This was a first for all of the boys and so amazing to see it through their eyes.  The Christmas magic was back a few days late.  Aiden and Chris made it their job to keep Mike and I informed about how much Jakey was liking it {despite the fact that he was sitting on my lap in the front seat} and about how much I was enjoying it since Christmas music was back on the radio again {fact!}.  They also loved to say to one another “Aiden/Chris you should see what’s outside my window” {as if they couldn’t see from one side to the other} Aiden then asked if we would have time to go again this year. I guess that’s a safe indicator that it was a hit!

Thursday marked what should have been Aiden and Chris’s first full day at school with the 3rd years/kindergarteners.  Annie Fisher is awesome at transitioning the kids at their own pace.  When the teachers feel they are ready to being spending more time in the learning environment, they segway into full days, making the start of actual kindergarten much smoother.  Unfortunately living in New England the snow foiled our plans but fortunately after a night of planning special lunches, they were at least able to stay until noon to eat lunch with their friends.  The anxiety levels were high before leaving for school but they were still willing sports so I snapped a quick picture {below}. 

Chris (left) and Aiden (right)

And as you guessed, the frigid temps, blowing snow and slippery roads left us home again today.  I never appreciated the fact that my parents may not have been as excited about snow days as we were growing up.  Sorry Mom and Dad!  The fun of it all as kids seems to fade as you become the ones that bear the brunt of paying the increased heating bills, clearing up the fluffy mess & finding another days worth of entertainment… but…. It’s New England and we choose to live here, so carry on winter weather!