Holidaze

We are in full holiday mode at the Heyen house. Why oh why is this time of year SO busy? (I shouldn't complain...we usually move around this time so it could be worse!) After our Thanksgiving trip (and a week of being sick for me), it was time to decorate the tree. Oh boy. I usually do this during nap but thought they could "help" this year. Wrong! As Keith slipped quietly outside to hang lights (thus abandoning me with my two little elves), I struggled to get any ornaments actually on the tree. I eventually gave up with only 1/2 of my decorations up but that will have to do for this year. So far, only one ornament has been broken beyond repair (Will) and a few have had to be put back together and rehung...in a much higher spot. Archer's loving the tree; he brings me ornaments like they are little treasures and then seems confused when he gets in trouble. Poor guy.

We took the boys to see Santa at the fire station on Saturday. This has become our little tradition; anything combining Santa (ie: presents) and fire trucks is right up our alley! Both boys sat on Santa's lap. When asked, Will said he wants a Rock & Star Elmo. Hmmm, that's not what he's been saying for the past two months! (He's not getting it...that thing looks SO annoying!) Archer just nodded "yes" when Santa asked what he wanted. He's so easy to please! :) Will is very concerned with being on Santa's nice list this year. Our Elf on the Shelf, whom Will named Tram last year, has been a great bribery tool thus far. Excellent parenting? No. Strategic parenting? Yes! I plan to use this to my full advantage. Tram is watching.

The boys continue to entertain and somewhat amuse on a daily basis. Archer loves to show off his words now. He will pretend anything is a phone and have an entire conversation, nodding and using hand gestures throughout. :) Will's Christmas concert at school is next week. Pretty sure I've already heard the concert all the way through. Practice makes perfect. Keith was off for a few weeks so I kept him busy painting and doing projects around the house. Will really wanted to help, as you can see. It will be great when he gets to the age where his "help" is actually that!