Jolly Old St. Nick

Jolly Old St. Nick showed up last night filling our stockings with random little things. Our Elf showed up as well so I guess it is official, Christmas is coming!

The Tree

We snuck over to the tree farm this morning to pick out our Christmas tree. Since Dad still can't cut down a tree (crossing our fingers he'll be back to full strength next year), we stuck to the precut Frasier Firs. This year Maxwell had the honor of picking out our family tree. He of course chose the very last tree we looked at on the far end of the tree lot, but we all agreed he chose well. While Mom and Dad were getting it loaded up we indulged in hot cocoa and animal crackers which is honestly the main reason we go!

Fun in the City

Along with Thanksgiving comes our annual trip to Chicago to enjoy the holiday craziness. This year we opted to mainly shop taking on Michigan Avenue twice. I'm proud to say we came home with goodies each time! We also ventured out a few times to eat and Mom found the best donut shop - Firecakes Donuts. She and Lily walked over Sunday morning bringing home malted milk ball, peppermint hot chocolate, gingerbread, and holiday sprinkle donuts just to name a few. We also found time to relax at the pool which was the perfect way to end our adventures in the city.

Rivera Christmas

Friday we celebrated Christmas with Gigi, Pop Pops, and the DeCarlo family.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Maxwell tried to pack himself for this trip..."A" for effort little man! We hung out with the family on Wednesday while Mom and Dad headed into the city for a doctor appointment for Dad's arm. The girls got their nails done in the morning, and then joined us for an epic nerf gun battle! Thursday it was turkey, ham, and taquitos like usual at Titi Maria's and Uncle Angel's.

Harvest Soup

Chop, Chop, Chippity-chop...what do you put in Harvest Soup? Maxwell and his classmates put onions, carrots, green beans, garlic, squash, tomato, celery, corn, and potatoes in their soup. After chopping vegetables all day Tuesday, he invited Mom and Dad in to sample the classroom's creation today. Both of them gave the soup two thumbs up!