Number five

Aiden turned five this week!  As far as I'm concerned he looked like this, like, two weeks ago.  But no, apparently we've been doing this parenting thing for five whole years now.  And Aiden, for his part, has spent the last five years turning into a fun, silly, curious and loving little boy.  

As is typical 'round these parts his birthday celebration was a mulit-day, multi- venue affair.  A few days before the actual day we gathered all the family to the house for some serious (mustache themed) gift opening and cake eating.  A few days after that, Aiden invited a couple of his preschool buddies to the bowling alley for a bowling birthday bash.  It was a special couple of days for a very special boy.

 

So this is Christmas

Christmas at home.

Christmas with the Weidners.

Christmas with the Jones'.

Christmas!

The Eve

Who is excited that Christmas is tomorrow?

These guys.

Christmas Traditions

We've come to expect certain things from the weeks that every year lead up to December 25th.  It's nice having traditions.  We are glad to have things for Aiden (and soon Brady) to anticipate and look forward to.  One event that's been a mainstay of our Christmas season the last few years is Aiden's Christmas preschool concert.  Although this is his last year at Preschool in the Valley I'm sure we'll have many more years of his school concerts to enjoy. And of course, before we know it, it will be Brady's turn to step into an angel costume and take his turn belting out Christmas carols in front of hundreds of eager preschool parents.  The tradition continues.

A rapt audience.

Aiden and "The Buddies."

Teacher Mindy.  In Aiden's eyes there may never be an equal.

Our other big Christmas tradition is our annual pilgrimage to the wintry wonderland of downtown Philadelphia.  As the boys get older we hope to incorporate more varied activities, but for know we keep things pretty simple.  Half of the fun is getting to spend the night in a swanky downtown hotel (complete with much playing and swimming in the indoor pool.)  And the real hub of the action is at the center city Macy's where we go to see the Christmas light and organ show, walk through the Charles Dickens Village, and last but not least: visit Santa.