First up, the boys had a great Halloween- they Trick or Treated at various events and enjoyed all the candy they got, but enjoyed the trade in policy we instituted a few years ago more! They get to keep 10 pieces and trade in everything else to donate to the troops and they get $10 for it. So they love to go "shopping" after Halloween.
November is a big month, where we celebrate our first born and also start the Christmas celebrations!
Aiden starts the countdown on Nov 1st and makes sure we all know the countdown to his birthday-lol. This year he turned 9 and I just can't believe how quick this kid is growing up. He was so happy because his birthday was the week of Thanksgiving so he had 1/2 day and a short week ( I was happy because the celebration was only 3-4 days vs a week this year-lol).
His birthday was low key (as we just got back from a weekend in Hershey- more to come on that in a bit), but he said it was great! We opened his presents before school as Daddy had to work late and then I came in and was the "mystery reader" in his class and he claims he had no clue it was going to be me :) Then we played and celebrated the day with his brother, his Aunt Stacey and cousin Olivia. He said it was an awesome day!
Then the last of the celebration was his typical Thanksgiving Party with family. He celebrated with his grandparents and his Aunt June, Uncle Marc and cousins- Natalie, Marc, and Matthew. I still can't believe this is his last year as double digits- he's going to be 10 next year- still wondering how that happened!
We always enjoy the day celebrating being thankful and our baby boy with family. I love when the cousins get together too and watch them grown and interact (and also cry as I see how fast these kids are growing up).
Once Thanksgiving was over it officially became Christmas in the Giosa Household! I'm a big believer in the Christmas season not starting till after Thanksgiving, but in recent years I have allowed a small Christmas celebration the week before Thanksgiving at Hershey. I like doing it early to beat the crowds.
We stayed at the Hershey Lodge again and celebrated with all our Hershey favorite characters. We did change up Breakfast with Santa this year and decided to check out what Chocolate World had to offer. The time with Santa was great - they allowed each kid to spend one on one time with Santa talking about what they want for Christmas and then did a group shot. Aiden was a bit apprehensive this year and I wonder if he's starting to question the whole Santa thing...I'm trying to soak in every minute of him still believing as I know that time will be ending quickly.
There was also one other family member happy to see Santa- Keith decided to sit on his lap and ask for lots and lots of coffee-lol!
We decided to hit the park the first night we were there this year as the forecast called for rain (and there was lots of it!) It was a bit cold, but luckily not freezing and the kids had a blast still. They enjoyed seeing the park light up for Christmas and experiencing the rides at night.
We also did the drive through lights again which the kids just so enjoy, seeing the different Christmas themes and the Hershey characters.
Saturday after breakfast, we hung at the hotel and did the water park
which the kids love, although it was a little cold for JP. Aiden didn't seem to mind. They love doing the various slides, the Reese challenge water walk, and swimming in the pool.
We ended our vacation, meeting up with Keith's brother's family and having lunch. The kids had a blast with them and we're hoping next year to be there at the same time.
We then officially decorated our house for Christmas on Black Friday. I love to stay in and decorate while we stay in our PJs and watch Christmas specials, it has become a great tradition in our house and the kids seem to enjoy it too!
So we are happy to be in the holiday spirit and the kids are eagerly counting down the days!
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