It's starting to look a lot like Christmas

Aunt Patti gave us these hats last year. Benett's is a bit too small. :-)

For the first time since Benett's birth, we decorated for Christmas. I have felt like such a slacker the past two years, and I am glad to say that this year I have our decorations up earlier than ever before. It is amazing how much more you look forward to Christmas when you have the house decorated. Benett, Andrew and I have been listening to my favorite Christmas albums (Christmas with Conniff and Bing Crosby's White Christmas) for the past week and a half. I am determined to make them love these albums as much as I do. You might wonder why I like such old versions of Christmas carols, but if you grew up in my house, you too would love these albums. Mom would always get out the reel to reel around Christmas and we would all dance and sing around the house while we were putting up the tree or cooking in the kitchen. It just doesn't feel like Christmas unless The Ray Conniff Singers and Bing Crosby are singing.

Benett loves this time of year already. The past two times we have been in Target he has specifically asked to go see the Christmas trees. There are a lot of family birthdays in October and November and so Benett has a new love for saying happy birthday and singing the birthday song. Last week, I explained to Benett that Christmas is the time of year we celebrate Jesus' birthday. Now he goes around saying "Hap Birtday, Esus." It is definitely one of the cutest things EVER!

Andrew turned 4 months old this past weekend and is also doing a lot of cute things. He smiles all the time especially when he makes eye contact with you and you flash him a big smile. He can reach and grab objects (or hair) and can even pull himself up to standing while I hold his hands. He is a strong little guy! His little personality is starting to show and it is so much fun watching him discover the world. When I am holding him and looking in the mirror, he will smile and then bury his face in my neck in this adorably bashful way and it just makes my heart flutter. My boys are amazing gifts from God. I love them so much!

Thanksgiving in Mansfield.

Andrew in his 1st Thanksgiving outfit.

We took family pictures at the park and I love this one of Benett. I call it "A boy stands alone."

Andrew trying out his winter gear.

Benett was so amazed by the Christmas tree and was excited to help decorate it.

Brinks hated being one of Santa's reindeer.