In the Spirit

We are in the Christmas spirit around here! We've been enjoying all the family-friendly holiday events Cincinnati has to offer. So far, our December has included, a trip to the Duke Energy building downtown to view the historic train display, breakfast with Santa at the Sharonville Community Center, and a (out-way-past-bedtime) trip to the zoo for the Festival of Lights.

Maggie is very excited to participate in all the rituals of the season, including opening the tab on the Advent calendar and lighting the Advent wreath at dinner. The only available surface to display the Nativity is on a bookshelf in the girls' playroom, so as you can imagine, the BVM, Shepherds and Baby Jesus quickly became action figures moving about the shelf and welcoming various other animals into the stable. Claire has started singing along to "Frosty the Snowman" and loves all the lights and ornaments on the tree.

The girls' enthusiasm is contagious! I have enjoyed decorating the house this year, knowing that I'll spend many Christmases here. Our fireplace was serviced and is now in working order. Jim revved up the chain saw and has prepared our Yule Logs. Jim and I are very excited to celebrate our first Christmas morning in our own home. The bringing together of traditions from each of our childhoods, while adding our own special touches, will hopefully make for a magical season for our two beautiful girls.

Decorating the tree

64th Annual Train Display

Obligatory screaming on Santa's lap picture

Bundled up at the zoo