He's making a list!

Just six days left till the fat man comes and we've got a week packed-full of prep! (And a teething toddler.) I am 99% of the way done with my shopping and I MEAN IT- no more gifts for the kids. I have just had so much fun getting their gifts and I really need to stop because they have so much already and we truly want them to know that the season is not just about getting toys. I am seriously considering keeping some toys for February when we are stuck inside all day. ;)

Last night, we began what we think will become our new holiday tradition. We told the kids that we had a "surprise," which naturally had Preston beside himself with excitement. The first part of the surprise was dinner at Fort Wayne's famous Coney Island, next to the giant Santa. It was Preston and CeCe's first time eating there and they absolutely loved how packed it was with people, watching the other kids, and the staff yelling out orders... "I need 6, 2 without!" Too cute. Not to mention, they both ate their entire meal! Next up, we checked out the Santa, got a few pics, and then still had some time to kill before the AWS Fantasy of Lights opened, so we stopped at Starbucks for dessert- who can resist their hot cocoa and baked goods? Not the Erbs! Plus, we had the entire terrarium to ourselves so we could watch the traffic on Jefferson which included all the horse-drawn carriages while the kids ran wild and adored their tree. It was such a special holiday moment for us as we sipped our coffee and watched our precious babies play together, laughing and gobbling up their treats, with total anticipation of our last surprise. The last part certainly did not disappoint, as usual. Fort Wayne's AWS Festival of Lights makes me so proud of our community for embracing this amazing cause. AWS provides services to children and adults here who have physical disabilities. Each enormous light display has been sponsored and I kid you not when I say it's a magical holiday-light filled wonderland for kids. As our car crept through the line, Preston marveled at each display, CeCe exclaimed "LIIIIIGHT!" over and over, and we enjoyed some holiday tunes. Such a great night- I cannot wait for this to be something we look forward to every year!







This week we are baking cookies with friends and cousins, finishing my shopping, making reindeer food, wrapping, addressing, a much needed girls night- the list goes on.... OY! So, until next time- Merry Christmas from our family to yours!