Pumpkins & "Costumes"

Wow, what an amazing weekend with amazing weather!  Near 70s at the end of October is a gift to Chicago-ans anticipating winter weather around the corner. This weekend we had a couple of Halloween celebrations to attend; one being a Halloween parade at the near by pre-school.  I knew Mason would love it or want nothing to do with it; however with endless Dora's Halloween Parade episodes under our belt I was somewhat hopeful.  Mason being Mason wanted nothing to do with putting on his costume (a fireman coat) and was more interested in riding the elevator up and down. Surprisingly, he participated in the parade and walked around the gym with all the other kids in their Halloween costumes.  He then did a full on permanent exit when reaching the door out of the gym. Ha ha so much for that Halloween party.

Sunday at the Ruth Lake Pumpkin Patch was a different story.  Mason LOVED watching the hay ride taking the kids around.  He even wanted to get on the hay ride and try it out himself which he fully enjoyed.  We still weren't able to get him to put his fireman coat on but that's ok with me.  The entertainment dressed as pirates was also a big hit.  Pretty sure I don't need to say more:

Loved Playing on the Golf Cart.

Family Hay Ride!

It was a Merry Christmas

 I was very much in the Christmas spirit this year!  I was so excited to decorate our house for the first time and share some of my Christmas spirit with my son.  DIY holiday projects and online shopping were major part of my holiday prep. I usually prefer the hustle and bustle of mall shopping but with the extreme cold temps online was a much better option.  Plus it put me ahead of the game.  I was happy with my online purchases and I believe my recipients were too. Thank you GAP, Shutterfly and Amazon for having just what I needed to complete my list this year.

Mason loved seeing Christmas trees and saying hohoho when talking about Santa but the whole concept of Christmas and opening presents didn't matter to him. Just because he didn't want to unwrap his gifts didn't mean he didn't love them. This was the year of the kitchen for Mason; complete with play food, pots and pans. I think this is going to be a great addition to the toys he already has; he can cook while I cook (and just maybe he will open the cabinets in his kitchen instead of the ones in mine). Mason received several items from Melissa & Doug (great quality toy brand by the way) his favorite so far being the broom (he is still sweeping away). His other favorite gift this year was a firetruck from Uncle Tony & Aunt Sherri (Matt likes this one too because it is a remote firetruck). Matt and I only got Mason a few small things this year but Santa along with everyone else went above and beyond; we are truly blessed.  Watching Mason oooh and ah over the past few days filled my heart with joy.  It also shed Christmas cheer among those around us.  We certainly are lucky. We hope you had the same magical experience in your house this Christmas.

His new favorite Firetruck 

Aunt Mia & Mason Christmas Day

Checking out his new car