The Bayer Update: getting in the spirit

December festivities start with a bang around here. No time to waste.
Finally, for the first time, we managed to attend the Benicia Tree Lighting festival. For the last few years we always had a conflict. But it's a really fun evening out -- the town shuts down 1st St to cars, and everyone comes out to walk around, the shops are open and serving treats, music is playing, and then eventually we made our way down to see the tree. A super festive evening in town.

We ran into Santa on the street -- and both kids got a chance to say hi and tell him their gift requests. Good thing too, because we didn't manage a time to formally go see Santa this year. But I think passing in the street is just as good. Ryan asked for a Metal Detector, and Kaitlyn asked for some Calico Critters.

"snow" falling in front of the wine bar downtown

KK on the right, and her buddy Evan on the left -- both getting rides from their dads

with my friend Laura, and 3 week old sweet baby Maren

We took the kids to see the Nutcracker the next day. Which was the sweet, local production of it. Good thing too, because about an hour and 30 mins in to the show, both kids were wiggling around, asking when we could leave, and next thing I know KK was twirling and doing pirouettes in the aisle. Guess they are a bit too young. We can wait a few more years until we see it again. After the play, we took an evening walk/bike ride to burn off some steam, and I caught this pic in the evening light.

We went to cousin Lucas's preschool holiday event, where the kids sang Christmas songs and then the kids got to do a few arts and crafts. Way to get us more festive.

my son, and his ability to ruin pictures with his terrible on purpose facial expressions. Love him.

and then I can't stop thinking how cute he is anyway!

Next up...the Benicia Christmas parade. Ryan and his cub scout pack were walking in the parade this year. In the rain. But we went anyway, and it was super fun as always!