Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

- Hamilton Wright Mabi

We had the most magical weekend officially starting our Christmas season.   Our tree is now up, Christmas carols are playing regularly, and Santa-talk has begun. 

Blurry phone picture of our small, sweet tree. 

On Friday, I joined Fiona at her preschool for the annual holiday feast.  There may be nothing more wonderfully heart-warming and laugh-inducing tham 30+ kids ages 0-4 "singing"  We Wish You a Happy Hanukkah and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  It was the best way to end a very busy week.

The holiday feast buffet BEFORE.

Mom & Fi AFTER enjoying the feast.

Saturday, we participated in Downtown Durham's Holiday Fun Fest and were treated to a beautiful and highly unusual early December snowfall.  The city sparkled and the snow put us all in a good - and cold! -  mood.

The Fun Fest included a miniature animal petting zoo.  Fiona is clearly enthralled -- and perhaps a bit chilly!

No need for the artificial snow booth - we had the real thing!

Proof that Fiona actually LIKED being outside in the snow.

While downtown, we warmed up with hot chocolates at Beyu Caffee.  Fiona wasn't sure what to think about her first sips of this sweet treat.

Um...I think I like it??

After the Fun Fest, we continued our adventure by traveling to our favorite Christmas Tree Lot operated by TROSA.  This business raises funds for TROSA's substance abuse recovery programs and gives the women who run it important employment experience.  As is our tradition, we picked out a very cute and very small tree that will fit in our very cute and very small bungalow.

Sunday we bought our first Christmas presents:  Clothes, toys, and perfume for the Genesis Home family we adopted for the holidays and a Nancy Tuttle May original painting that Ryan and I are giving each other this year.

All in all, it was one those weekends full of joy and laughter that reminded me of how lucky I am to have the husband and daughter I do.  Magic, just pure magic.