Happy Advent!

Well, we are all content and tired after a very full and very good first weekend of Advent.

Annie had an evening with Papa and Nana on Friday as Eric and I enjoyed attending St. Olaf's Christmas Festival. We put her to bed before we left, but not soon after she woke up and convinced Papa and Nana that some playtime was in order...she did eventually go to sleep again for them and looked quite sweet sleeping in her crib when we returned.

Saturday morning we got up and headed to Wisconsin to celebrate our niece Emily's sixth birthday. It was a snowy day, fitting for the first day of December, so besides enjoying Annie's first trip to her cousin's house, time with family and birthday cupcakes, we made the most of car time (extended because of the winter storm) to bring out the Christmas songs...Annie seemed to especially enjoy Mommy and Daddy's rendition of "Jingle Bells," and accompanied us with one of her shaker toys.

Annie and Eric attended a high school choir concert (his percussion group was performing in part of it) that evening when we got home, and Eric reports that she was an impressive audience member: listening and watching intently during the songs, then clapping (one of her new favorite skills!) when they were done.

Sunday also was a big day--not only did we get our Christmas tree, celebrate Christmas with friends Emily and Brett, and do some baking, but Annie also got to meet Santa.

It seems like we spent all weekend out-and-about, and Annie has done a great job! Her biggest frustration these days is that she can't quite figure out how to crawl forward...She has the position right, she can easily crawl back, but when what you want (toys, paper, mommy or daddy) is in FRONT of you crawling back just isn't enough. She was quite interested in our Christmas tree when we got it up today, and finds it great fun to pat it.

We look forward to a week full of getting ready for Christmas; baking, shopping, wrapping, baking...and to a week full of so many new adventures for Annie!