Train Set

Gavin was super excited to get out his Christmas train set. He's old enough to help put in new batteries using a power screwdriver, too!

All Aboard! Cue hours of entertainment. 

Ball Factory

Gavin was invited to a birthday party at the Ball Factory. We hadn't been there ever, so he was excited to go.

I had heard from other moms that this place is not set up to easily watch multiple kids, and they are absolutely correct. It's hard to see where anyone is. Luckily, Gavin is old enough and sure footed enough in the climbing structures that I don't worry about him getting stuck. :) He ran around with his friends and had a great time.

He loved the room where you shoot nerf balls across the room, and he loved the cars and tractors you can ride on (it's been quite a while since he was able to do this)!

Ball Factory put wrist bands on Gavin and me, but no one checked us when we left. So security left a lot to be desired. My opinion - it's a fun place if you are watching one child OR several older ones (elementary school age). But if you are herding toddlers who need a lot of help climbing or need more supervision, maybe pick a different place to lower your stress. :)

Surprise Snow

Last Wednesday we woke up to an unexpected snow. Unexpected, but not unappreciated! Gavin and I got some great pictures on the walk to school:

Of course, it was gone by Friday...but we know winter has only just begun! There will be lots more snow!

Setting Up Christmas Lights

We started putting up Christmas decorations this weekend. Of course, several strings of lights that we used last year are not working now, so we didn't finish. But we set up a lot, taking advantage of the relatively warm weather.

Just like for Halloween, Gavin got up on the ladder to hang the lights:

The snowman came over in Grandpa Cermak's convertible:

More pictures to follow, as we keep setting up!