A Toddler Nativity

 .. Then there was this one time when the most adorable thing on earth happened.

Our branch threw a Christmas party, and since the oldest kid is three, the recreation of the nativity was made up of toddlers. It was full of kids wandering on and off stages, laughing, screaming, and just standing there lost and crying for mom.

When I was growing up, I made a tradition with myself (I love tradition) to read The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever every year.. and that is basically what it reminded me of, and Amelia was the Angel. Just like the main character of the book.
Basically, it was adorable.

Miya (wiseman), Drew (Joseph), and Viv (Mary.)

2013 Christmas in New York

Because we were leaving for Utah on December 12, we celebrated our little family Christmas the week before. Christmas is easily my favorite holiday and it has absolutely nothing to with gifts and everything to do with the warm gooey feeling the season bring into my home. I get completely nostalgic once the holiday comes around and seriously can't contain my excitement within the week of Thanksgiving. I watch all my favorite movies (Christmas Vacation may or not be played 5+ times per season) and buy holiday CDs. I fill my house with the smells of evergreens and cinnamon. 

Since adding a child into the Christmas mix, it has only added to my spirit. Honestly, I can't wait for the day she gets into the spirit of Christmas with me. Until then, I will continually be let down... Plot Twist. Last year, she couldn't even unwrap present, much to my disbelief. Yes, I though she would be able to open presents at 8 months old. Why didn't anybody warn me?! This year, again, I got my hopes up high that she would be in awe of the Christmas lights (mind you, not to Touch the lights), and her eyes would light up with excitement with the opening of each present... Again, why didn't you guys warn me?! She did like opening presents, but only one... And then she wanted to play with it and not open anymore. What kind of child is this??? Oh, she is like every child? Got it. It is noted for child #2 not to wrap presents. Next year, I will only wrap clothes and smaller gifts because she did not have the patience for the toys to be put together. Aint nobody got time fo' dat.

I still have high hopes for next year, and with my all knowing, all seeing abilities as to what Christmas will be like with children, I expect some eye twinkling. 

Our Yearly Ornaments.
Mine in the NYC.. I went to the city 5 times this year
Amelia's is the snowman... her first year playing in the snow
Anthony's is the Cornell Grad.. well you know why.

Amelia got a baby stroller, high chair, car seat, and the baby necessities. 

She is true mama.

 She also got this ball pit (Black Friday Score).

I am also super excited to move for it to be in my living room until June.. 

Thanksgiving 2013

Soooo behind.

For Thanksgiving, my cousin, Kyler, and my Grandma Pat came out for the week. I was so happy I had so some visitors. I really lucked out this year with so many people coming. It was a big relief having a grandma here to show me the ways of turkey cooking. 

We had our first big snow storm, and Amelia got to play in the snow. Not sure what to think of it, but she will learn to love it. or loathe it. whichever.

We visited the Cornell art museum. Perfect place for a toddler. not. 

And the turkey. 

We had dinner at the Orton's again. In all of our orphaned states, it's nice that we have friends to celebrate holidays with and see everyone's traditions.. It was particularly fun with my grandma making me all her yummy foods.

on Black Friday, after some glutenous overspending, we headed to Skaeneateles for some Charles Dickens caroling and roasted Chestnuts.

Eating the best burgers and Johnny Angels. 

We also made a trip to NYC...

story of my life.

It was a lot of fun, especially because I didn't really feel rushed or that I was missing out on anything.

Plus, I have been there so much that I know the quickest way to get to touristy places and the best way to map out the trip to see the most in a little time.

i was a little worried about amelia sitting in a stroller for so long, but she did great. Like always when we are in NYC. I just make sure we plan it around her and not us. Which really makes it more enjoyable for everyone.

Top of the Rock

View from Jersey

On the Staten Island Ferry

On Sunday, My grandma and Kyler went on a movie city tour, so Anthony headed to Central park and the Natural History Museum. We let amelia run freaking W.I.L.D. We were 'those' parents. But she had been so good she deserved some free time with no rules.

It was really cold... and now looking back. It wasn't really that cold. 

It's all relative.