Allen thought he'd try to get his hands on my soda last night. Hah! I really think he just liked the can because it was nice and cool. But he sure had a grip and wasn't about to give it back to me without a fight :) 
We switched the Pepsi can out for a bottle--which he was more than happy to get in exchange!
Since the outdoor activities were a little disappointing, we went inside the emporium and had fun goofing around. :)
Does anyone else know of any other festive activities going on?
Most of the time we just change Allen on the floor in our front room (because that's where we spend most of our time and I'm a little too lazy to walk to his bedroom to use the changing table every time.) Here's a picture of him as we're getting ready to take him for his 2nd bath. He'd gotten a grip on the leg of his swing and was not about to let go. He was giggling so hard! Which, in turn, had us giggling too.
As a new mom I know I have so much to learn. I love that these experiences that may seem frustrating are really just wonderful moments and learning lessons. My little guy is teaching me so much!
He actually really does love bath time. :)
Allen has figured out how to suck his thumb. He's spent the last several weeks sucking on two or three fingers at a time, and now he finally figured out how to get just his little thumb in. I'm really not looking forward to breaking this habit, but in the meantime, it's just so adorable.
We caught Krug having a conversation with Santa--probably just telling him what he'd like for Christmas this year :)
Allen got his very first invitation to a birthday party! His little friend Fischer is turning 1 year old and we are so excited to celebrate with him!
My friend Valerie is Fischer's Mom and she has been so creative with her planning. She made the cutest invitations. The party theme is shapes and colors and everyone is supposed to wear their favorite color. Such a fun idea!
So glad that Allen already has a little friend :) 
I did some investigating and decided that this little guy was just too dang cute to pass up and that he would be a perfect tradition for Christmastime. He comes in a box that includes a story as well as an explanation of the origin of The Elf on the Shelf.
You get to name your elf--we named ours Chandler. He is your very own personal connection to Santa Clause. Each day he sits and watches the children and at the end of the day when they go to sleep he makes a quick trip to the North Pole to report to Santa who has been naughty and/or nice. Every morning he returns and watches from a new location. Children can tell him their Christmas wishes to report to Santa as well. How cute is that?! I am really looking forward to getting our elf out each Christmas. And until Allen is old enough to understand, Parker and I will just be on our best behavior while Chandler is watching :)
Parker has got to be the most patient man alive. Seriously. He puts up with so much--including my Christmas nerdiness and my need to get decorations put-up before Thanksgiving even gets here. Is there some kind of award for Husband Of The Year? 
Yes, the tree is totally slanted. We have to battle this sucker every year. Thank goodness for a little creativity, duct tape, and some kitchen towels or the tree would never make it. This is our third year though and I think we're actually getting it down to an art form now.
Ta Da! Isn't it just beautiful?! I love my little tree! It's amazing how it can go from being something seemingly inconsequential to something so great. Parker commented that it's sort of a metaphor for ourselves. (See?! He's so wonderful. Always so quick to see the good in everything.)
I was also able to get all my shopping and wrapping done before Thanksgiving too. I got to use my new wrapping paper and I was so excited! Didn't they turn out so cute?! I went with a gingerbread theme so they'd match my tree ornaments. (I told you I was a nerd.)
And the snow got here just in time to add to the holiday spirit! I just love winter! Krug had lots of fun bounding around in the snow drifts.
He got into the holiday spirit as well. He dragged his stocking around the entire time we were decorating :)
Isn't this the SADDEST face?! He had just gotten his 4 months immunizations. It just makes my heart break. Thank goodness we have another 2 months before the next round.
The Ainge's took us to a Jazz game over Thanksgiving weekend and we had a blast! We got to sit in one of their boxes. It was so great not to have anyone directly in front of us...or behind us (there is nothing worse than being surrounded by obnoxious sports fans, or having someone behind you spill beer on you.)
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We're so blessed to have both our families close by and be able to spend to much time with them. Our week was pretty crazy...Parker and I were both sick, and little A.P. had a rough few days after getting his shots, but we still had a great week together. We saw Harry Potter #7 and Tangled (I'd highly recommend Tangled). We saw The Drowsy Chaperone at the Hale Center Theater (such a great play!) and went to a Jazz game. We ate lots of yummy food and spent lots of time in our pajamas. It was fantastic!
Yay for Thanksgiving!
Allen is looking forward to having turkey and mashed potatoes next year instead of just a bottle.
Gigi does a nativity with the grandkids every year.
Allen got to be baby Jesus. 
We get Christmas started early at our house. I am a huge Christmas nerd and I love this season! The tree and decorations get put up by Thanksgiving--at the latest! We get the shopping done and wrap the presents. We've got the holiday music playing. And this year...we have a little 
The flash is a little bright Mom.
The fingers taste pretty good, but when can I have a sugar cookie?
Help! I'm being attacked by the giant candy cane!
Little elf toes.
