Uh Oh Christmas Tree!

There seems to be an on-going poll with my Face-Book Friends who have toddlers. How many broken ornaments will we have this year? So far, the score at The Carter household is: Henry-1, Mommy-1. More on that later.

First, the tree! Last week we decided to really get in the spirit and chop down our own Christmas Tree. This was Billy's idea-honest! Because we were going to drive about an hour west to get the tree I was sure to pack all the provisions for a day in the country in DECEMBER. Extra coats, boots, gloves, hats, blankets (for the sleigh ride), ear muffs and a bottle of wine (think-hypothermia). We arrive in Markham at Hank's Christmas Tree Farm just in time for Summer! Seriously, it was pushing 60 degrees! It was an absolutely beautiful day but the sun beating down on our backs as we dragged (okay, as we watched Billy drag) the tree to the top of the hill did nothing to evoke Christmas Cheer. I tried to get Henry to have some hot chocolate or a hot caramel apple and he looked at me like I was insane.

Okay, it's not a reindeer but it will do.

"Mommy, where's the sleigh?"

"Okay, I can do this. It's not like I haven't flown a plane. How hard could it be?"

"Mommy, what does grimacing mean and why are you asking daddy to stop?"


"Okay Daddy, if you could just angle the trunk, it will be easier to place it in the stand."

"Fine, just give me your gloves, I'll do it myself!""Daddy, stop pretending you're helping." "Looks good from this angle."
"Um, Daddy, I think you dropped a piece. Was it the attitude Mommy asked you to drop?"
Taa-Daa!

Smile everyone and try not to let the sun blind you!


Little interlude to show off some super cute pj's from cousin Alexander.

Tree Decorating with a Toddler 101:

Soft ornaments. Just right for Henry.
Place breakable ornaments above his head.

Don't forget to account for the reach! "Henry, no touching. Henry, DO NOT touch! HENRY STOP!!!! CRASH!!!!!!







Broken ornament to right, bootie in time-out to the left.

Of course, shortly after that while Henry was in bed, I was rearranging some of the ornaments and broke one. I thought it was only fair that I pour myself a glass of wine and put myself in time-out too.

Friday Night we met Aunt Pam at a fancy shmancy spa. She had a "conference" there and we thought we'd crash the place. Just the spot for a toddler!
Henry loved the Christmas Tree table and, best of all, above it was an electric train circling the room.

Here's Henry visiting Pam's "working spot".

We walked over to the golf club for dinner and on the way saw a HUGE birthday candle. Here's Henry practicing for the big day (little more than a month away-can you believe it?).

Enlisting Aunt Pam's help.

Bath time. Even more fun with Pam to splash!

Because this is a very civilized resort, we were sure to show Henry how to follow the rules and to behave in such a place.

No tackling Pam...

No running on the very expensive leather sofa...

Definitely no crashing a private dinner party and stealing the chef's hat off the carving station...

Well, unless Pam does it...

Aunt Pam is a blast!

Next adventure. Saturday Night our dance card was full too. We were invited to a neighborhood party. Great time, beautiful home and super nice people. The best part was watching the kids play with Henry.

Weee! I mean Wii...

I know Henry's allergic to dogs but how could I resist? Look at this beautiful beast! It's a Turkish Shepherd-I couldn't actually understand the proper name, but what a gentle giant. Reminded me of you-know-who. Henry just loved him-so much so that we left shortly after as the welts appeared and the head scratching began.

Next time we will begin the evening with a Benedryl aperitif.

I'd like to end this post with a shout-out to the giver of the Thomas the Tank Boots that you have been seeing a lot of lately-and will probably continue seeing until well into the summer! Our very own NONNIE!




















Here's another funny clip of Henry reading one of his new favorite books. There is no official title. He just calls it Carson Book. It was made by and given to us by Henry's favorite babysitter mom; Karen and contains his favorite characters; Caitlin the super-babysitter and the ever-lovable and loyal, Carson!