The Magic of the Season

I've mentioned it before a few times, but I feel like I must preface this post with a bit of an explanation. I was raised Jewish, and therefore did not celebrate Christmas growing up.  While we are still very much in touch with our Jewish roots, Josh is not Jewish.  He celebrated Christmas growing up, and when we got married, I was beyond thrilled that I, too, would get to celebrate Christmas.  And now that we have children, Christmas celebrating, and the excitement around it, is at a whole new level!
I'm thinking it's because I didn't get to do all this as a kid...or maybe it's just that I'm a little over the top in general...but I have made it my personal mission to expose the boys to just about any and every Christmas activity in hopes of building their excitement and love for this very special time of the year.  
We've decorated the tree...

 And drank hot chocolate (or tasted some off a straw in Levi's case) while we were at it...

We took the boys to see a Christmas train display.  Considering Colton's primary Christmas request is a choo-choo, this was obviously a big hit...

We went to see the Holiday Lights at the Beach, a drive through display on Virginia Beach's boardwalk.

We (well mainly Colton) made gingerbread houses...

Of course, we went to see Santa Claus...

And the real highlight of our December was our trip to Christmastown (at Busch Gardens) to see the lights, ride the rides, see the penguins, and soak in all the Christmas spirit.  Seriously, I loved this trip so much I debated bombarding you with a whole host of pictures from it, but I'll try to limit myself...

Basically, we've been pretty busy, and these pictures don't even include some of the less photo-worthy activities (ornament making, house decorating, etc) or even our Hanukkah fun!  Obviously Levi is pretty oblivious to the whole thing, but Colton does seem to have some concept of Santa and is eagerly anticipating his arrival...as am I because I really can't wait to see their faces light up that morning!
Happy get ready for Christmas weekend everyone!