Christmas Season in Saratoga

December was filled with lots of fun activities all building up to Christmas. We tried to embrace new traditions and see what New York had to offer for the holiday season! 

We had heard a lot about the Victorian Streetwalk in downtown Saratoga and attended that one night early December. I think our expectations were a little too high but we still enjoyed ourselves. 

Downtown Saratoga had a very small tree lighting (it was literally one small tree- ha!) and then Santa rode in with some elves, which we were expecting a full horse sleigh, but it was some sort of truck and trolley. The boys weren't interested in standing in the long line to see Santa but were able to peek through the window and see the kids visiting Santa, and there was a live reindeer the kids saw. 

We enjoyed walking around downtown seeing all the lights and displays, but our favorite part was the free hot chocolate! It was a cold night, but a fun memory!

A few days later we went to a Ball family Christmas party at the bowling alley and had a lot of fun!

Aside from bowling, the boys got coins to play the arcade games and tickets to do the bumper cars and play area. The boys had so much fun they didn't want to leave!

At the party they each got a nice long visit with Santa too! Ava was a little surprised, Blake was a little shy, and Jacob was a little hesitant, but there were no tears!

In the beginning of December Ava also turned 7 months! I can't believe how fast she's growing, but she's turning into such a beautiful girl!

She has been such a sweet and patient baby, I love it! The only time when she gets impatient is when she is excited to eat her baby food and starts panting! So it's nice to have a big brother's help sometimes :)

We had fun this season making a big batch of sugar cookies to deliver to friends. The boys really wanted to do this, but of course I ended up doing most of the work and it took nearly all weekend! But they were delicious and we enjoyed passing them out together too!

It's always fun going to holiday parties with Blake's preschool and the Christmas party was no exception. They sang Christmas songs and Santa came and passed out personal presents. Blake was so excited to get a new train!

And as always, some Christmas pictures on Sundays of my 3 cuties throughout the month! Got some great pictures this year!

We're ready for Christmas! Our first Christmas in NY won't be spent in our new home, and are a little sad about that, but feel blessed that we live close enough to our parents that we will be able to visit family over the holidays!