I love Christmas morning with my family but the festivities that happen the whole month of December are where the Christmas memories are made and are my absolute favorite part of Christmas.

Everything kicks off the day after Thanksgiving (this year we cheated and decorated the night before Thanksgiving) when we decorate the tree.

Sometime after Thanksgiving our elf, Jack comes to our house. He always brings Christmas jammies and we enjoy a festive breakfast as a family to welcome his arrival.

There's also lots of trips to Target.

And fun Christmas performances.

Throughout the month we read Christmas books, read scriptures, and do family crafts. 

Cookies are baked.

Games are played.

Gingerbread houses are always a must.

This year daddy surprised us with an overnight at Great Wolf Lodge to add to the Christmas fun. It was so great to slow down and have some good family time.

Our church went all out for Christmas and we had fun having Uncle Jake and Uncle Colton attend 

with us.

It's so fun to reflect back on a month that can sometimes get overwhelming and stressful and see all the joy that the season brings.

Maxwell Theodore

Weight: 30.64 lbs (39%)

Height: 36.75 inches (34%)

Maxwell loves all things super hero and requested a super hero birthday party.

His best friends are his sisters and he is be totally happy only playing with them.

We let Maxwell open a few gifts the morning of his birthday and he was so sweet opening each one.

We had his family party that evening.

He felt so much love being surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

It was a small group, which was so perfect (especially since he only wanted adults to attend). HAHA

Maxwell currently turns everything into a shooter, loves watching shows, loves going to Target with mommy, and even though he is the world's pickiest eater, he's a pretty easy going guy.

Everyone from his teachers at tot school to his teachers at church rave about his sweet, kind personality. Some comments I've received are: he is always a good listener, plays well with others, and loves music.

Parenting a 3rd child is SO different from the 1st and even though I probably need to up my game in a few areas (ahem...potty training) this little man is such a joy. He is so much fun to spend time with and I wouldn't want any other sidekick by my side. I'm so thankful that we still have 2.5 years until kindergarten.

Keep being your super self, Maxwell Theodore! You are truly a gift.