the first half of December

Snugglin' with Papa

Playing catch with Papa (Bennett really enjoyed Papa during this visit)

Enjoying a snack of apples with Nutella and caramel dip:

Putting ornaments on the tree:

Bennett discovered an ornament that had a big bell on it (from my Grandparents last year) and loved to shake it. In fact, both boys loved those bells for the rest of the Christmas season.

Trying to enjoy some time outside at the park (it was probably only 45 degrees, but hey, we take what we can get). The boys love playing on these big rocks.

12/3/13- We went to see the annual Christmas tree display at the Inn at Virginia Tech.

12/5/13- We finally put the star up on the tree (we had to wait for Daddy).

Playing tee-ball in the back yard. It was such a beautiful day. I even let Lincoln skip his nap (even thought I knew it would make for a hard evening) just so that he would have time to play outside. If I waited to let him play until after his nap, we would have missed the prime temperature and lighting.

"Big Stick"

12/6/13- The Blacksburg Christmas tree lighting and parade. I didn't get to go last year because Bennett was only a week old, so I was excited for this year. Lincoln loves parades. We started off the evening by going to see Santa at the Lyric theater. Thank goodness they let us take our own pictures. We then went to eat dinner at Mike's Grill and ran into our friends, the Allens, there. We all ended up watching the parade together for a bit, until it started to rain, and then headed home. It was a really fun night.

Another picture with Bennett and Papa:

12/12/13- We went to Roanoke and headed to the new science museum. They have a butterfly garden, where you get to walk in and walk among all the butterflies. It's really amazing. You have to be really careful and watch where you step because they may even be on the ground!

On top of the museum, there is a roof-top deck. It's fun to go up and get a really good view of downtown Roanoke.