christmas at the stotts house...

It officially feels like Christmas at our house - yeah!  We don't have a ton of traditions here but feel like that will come... Roman is definitely more interested in Christmas this year than last, so it's fun to celebrate in new ways!  

The boys are BOTH loving our advent calendar.  It's really something that we let
Roman do more, but Josiah is right there with him, as you can see!  

Our hope is to someday (maybe even next year!?!) go cut down a tree as a family - a tradition that Jake grew up with.  Our tree-timing was off this year - we'll just blame it on the move - so we opted for a nice pre-cut tree from Lowe's.  It's doing the job, so I'm not complaining!  

Roman beside our tree, just brought in, still wrapped up and very mis-shapen!

Josiah inspecting the tree after the netting was cut off.
Hmmm... very interesting... 

Jake & Roman after decorating the tree - hooray!  (Josiah helped with a few ornaments
and then headed for bed... everyone was happier that way!!)  

Random picture:  Roman & Josiah with the  neighbor kids (Serena & Adam) - everyone was playing the piano at one point, and then they all needed their own space, so Roman played piano, Adam played harmonica, Serena danced and Josiah ran in circles.  It was quite the event!  

Josiah found a new space that was just right for him... 

...but then big bro wanted to play, too!

After Roman couldn't quite squeeze into the small crock, I suggested they switch spots...

... and then everyone was happy!  :-)  

Happy boys, sitting still for about 3 seconds...
just long enough for me to snap a pic! 

*Notice the Little People nativity set beside the boys...  a new, fun addition to our tree this year!  I'm not sure why, but whenever we re-set the scene to make sure everyone is accounted for, the cute little camel is almost always missing!  At first it was Baby Jesus who would disappear, but he's been sticking pretty close to the stable, so now if we could just keep track of that camel... :-)  ...so I just shrug and say, "Life with Boys"... that's my current motto/slogan/banner of life... they will keep it interesting, no doubt!!  :-)