The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

 

We know, we know, until today with our Christmas Letter post, there's been nothing in a month!  But you know, it is that most wonderful time of the year - the super busy time!  Since Cygni's birthday we've been busy with preparing for Deb's return to work, Jordan's skating "lessons" (which started on his sister's birthday and end tonight,) and then of course, finding ways to partake in the growing Christmas spirit in town. 

 

Dad's been going to parent & tot skate lessons with Jordan.  They're not really formal lessons, but there's a rec instructor on hand to guide Daddy and J-man, along with the other parents and tots in their group, in activities that will increase the kids' comfort on skates and on the ice.  We've abandoned the bob skates he wore last winter, in favour of actual single blade skates.  We're lucky that nowadays they make skates kiddos can wear through multiple sizes, this pair are for sizes 9 through 13; so, gone are the days of dropping a lot of money on skates only to have them outgrown in months or even weeks.  We could still rent, but Mommy got these for a great price and they're doing the job nicely.  Dad says that Jordan is doing pretty darn good, he's not afraid of falling and while you can't really expect much more than the toddler ice-shuffle at this age, he's got a great sense of balance and must have enough strength built up in his ankles, because he can go and go without getting whiny to get off the ice.  He was almost gliding in the last session!  We're going to try to make a point of getting to the rink every other week or so to keep him practicing and feeling natural on his skates.  Our only really problem with Jordan learning to skate is he frequently wants to lie down on his tummy and lick the ice!  Dad is trying tirelessly to discourage this, but yup, the weirdo kid out there is ours!

Sometimes ya take a spill when you're learning; that doesn't upset Jordy!

 

 Pushing the shopping cart! 

 

 

 

We also headed out to the Vancouver Christmas Market on opening day in late November.  You may recall us attending on Christmas Eve 2010, we absolutely loved it then, and didn't want to miss it this year.  Jordy was originally supposed to go with his pre-school class but he was slated for a doctor's appointment on the day of that field trip, so we decided to make it a family outting so he would understand where his school friends went when they discussed it in class.

 New this year: a carousel ride!

 

 Checking out the oompah-pah band!

 

 

 

 

Dad goes for a nice steamy mug of gluhwein!

 

 

 

 

Das Apfelhaus deliciousness!

 

 

 

The Sunday after we visited the Market was Deb's second shift back at work and also her tenth anniversary with Starbucks!  A couple of days later, at the Grand Opening of the new store in Fremont Village, her District Manager, Jen presented her with her 10 Year Plaque!  Time sure does fly when you're having fun!

 

With store manager, Leandra in the top panel, and with DM Jen in the bottom

 

Opening their Advent Calendars on December 1st 

 

 

And aren't they cute in their Christmassy Elmo jams?!

They're pusing around these tubs, pretending they're shopping carts!

 

 

 

 

Last weekend we went to the DCS Santa breakfast and the kids got to see Santa.  Cygni, as expected, cried and refused to sit on The Big Guy's lap, and Jordy was friendly, but also refused to sit on his lap, though he did tell Santa that he wanted a, "red Christmas tree and some blue candy."  He says Merry Christmas in such a cute way too, "Meery Missmuss!"  We'll see if we can get it on video for you in the next little while.  The picture with Santa (another family shot this year!) hasn't been sent to us yet, but when it arrives I'll post it.

 

A pre-Christmas present: The Reindeers' Christmas Party.

 Cygni got The Runaway Bunny. 

 

 Mmmm, candy cane!

 

 

 

 Mommy loves her little elves!

 

And yesterday we managed to bundle us all off and choose a tree and trim it.  The house is full of that holiday evergreen scent and some yuletide tunes.  There is more Christmas goodness to come, and we'll try to be better about sharing it as it happens!  In the mean time we hope you're enjoying all that the season has to offer; we surely are!