First snowfall

We just recently have our first snowfall, and I'm not sure who was more excited - the girls or me!! We had an amazing day play outside in the snow!

Oh, Christmas Tree!

We picked out our Christmas tree this past weekend at White's, which is where we go every year. We had SO much fun! It was super warm and we found our tree right away. The girls had a blast and we loved seeing the joy in their eyes when they found the perfect tree!

And as all you parents know, a perfect day isn't a perfect day without a little drama! Poor Emma's balloon flew out the window and she was quite upset about it!

Paradee Family Advent Activity Calendar

For the second year in a row, we are doing an activity advent calendar. Here is it!

Dec 1 - Start enjoying our chocolate Advent calendars
Dec 2 - Watch a Christmas movie
Dec 3 - Make a gingerbread house
Dec 4 - Have hot cocoa in front of a bon fire
Dec 5 - Buy some toys for children less fortunate
Dec 6 - Do something nice for someone
Dec 7 - Go to a tree lighting
Dec 8 - Visit Santa
Dec 9 - Take Emma out to buy a present for Acadia
Dec 10 - Go to breakfast with Santa
Dec 11 - Buy an ornament for the tree/go to Polar Express
Dec 12 - Make Christmas cookies and surprise someone at work with them
Dec 13 - Make a Christmas craft
Dec 14 - Make a Christmas card for someone
Dec 15 - Make a paper chain to count down the days until Christmas
Dec 16 - Write a letter to Santa
Dec 17 - Go to the Nutcracker with Acadia, out to dinner, then have her pick out a present for Emma
Dec 18 - Family game night
Dec 19 - Go see Christmas lights
Dec 20 - Read a Christmas book
Dec 21 - Listen to Christmas music
Dec 22 - Wear red or green
Dec 23 - Take a family picture in front of the tree
Dec 24 - Make cookies for Santa and read 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Our first visit to Santa

After the parade, we visited Santa and the girls told them what they wanted for Christmas. Apparently Acadia didn't have enough time to tell Santa what she wanted...she said afterwards, Mama! All I had time to tell him was that I wanted a baby doll! LOL!

Santa's Parade

This was the girls' first time being in a parade. Acadia LOVED it! Emma? Not so much. She saw Yellow Grandma and was upset when Daddy walked right by her. Take a look at the picture of her below - NOT a happy camper! The parade lasted all of 5 minutes, and it was the cutest thing I've ever seen!! I loved seeing the look on Acadia's face :)

Downtown parade

Starting about 3 years ago my Aunt, mom, sister and I have gone to the Church Street Tavern the day after Thanksgiving for lunch. We sit by the window and watch the shoppers and the Christmas parade. And every year I ask Matt if he wants to go with us and take the girls to the parade. This year is the first year that he brought the girls to the parade and they LOVED it!! The parade literally lasts 5 minutes, but Santa leads the way, followed by Frosty the Snowman, Mickey and all the children (any who want to join the parade) - it's the cutest thing ever! And it was great to see the kids in the parade!

Here are the girls arriving downtown and seeing Micky and Frosty...