Pierce Christmas Tree 2013

After we returned from Acree Thanksgiving, Stuart ended up with the entire weekend off (it was like a mini vacation!  Woo!).  Saturday morning, we went on a family breakfast date to RISE for donuts.  They have a little area in the back with toys, so James was quite content to play with a firetruck while his mama and dad enjoyed breakfast.

We next stopped by the Trosa Christmas tree stand to get our tree.  We also picked up a cute little reindeer that was handcrafted.  I love him.  We spent the day decorating and creating Pierce Winter Wonderland 2013.  Stuart and I both just adore this time of year, so it is such a joy for us to spend the day together preparing our home for the season.  See below for photographic evidence that it is possible for a family to decorate and prepare for Christmas without gnashing of teething and pulling of hair (isn't that how most families end up after a day of holiday "fun"?).  This is only the beginning...

Acree Christmas Tree 2013

The day after Thanksgiving, Stuart, James and I were still out at my parents' house.  It's always been Acree tradition to go out and return with a Christmas tree on this day.  So, we all packed up and went out!  Then we spent the afternoon decorating.  That evening we celebrated the three adult birthdays that occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas: P\PAW (Nov. 30), Stuart (Dec. 4) and Meredith (Dec. 8).   Make sure you notice the two photos below where James is giving kisses.  He was in a very affectionate mood that day  (my favorite!).

James' first birthday gift (ever).

On Thanksgiving, my dad wanted to give James his first birthday gift because he is going to be out of town on business over James' actual birthday (and birthday party).  And my dad is arguably James' current favorite person.  So, we began the celebration a few weeks early.

He LOVES his new little push-riding toy/xylephone-on-wheels.  Can you tell?