PARK

Yes, it was a White Christmas.  But it was a warm White Christmas.  With A away all week, the kids and I rode bikes/strollers to our neighborhood park!  We hadn't been there in months.  Great way to burn off Christmas cookies!

CHRISTMAS

After Aunt J, Aunt K, and I all had babies within five months, everyone always said, "Oh, Christmas will be fun!"  So hard to believe that Christmas is here!  We have so much to be thankful for.  Christmas at Grandma K and Grandpa A's was crazy (what did we expect?) and loud (obviously) and … definitely fun.  We hope daddy can join us next year!

Merry Christmas!

BETHLEHEM

I'm not sure what caused my tears to fall the fastest today … JP's stunning artwork of the real meaning of Christmas; 

 his narration of his piece of work;

or the beaming smile on his face when he handed it to me as I picked him up from school.

SCIENCE KIT

One of the favorite Santa gifts this year was JP's Science kit.  Included was a real lighted microscope with prepared slides of insects.  I'm really not trying to brainwash my kids into science, but, if they do end up in this field, these photos may be worth money some day!  

SNOW QUEEN

Four years ago Aunt M mailed us Elf on the Shelf.  Back then I had never heard of such a gimmick, but I quickly caught on and the Elf has made an appearance at our home ever since.  Our elf just moves from spot to spot and watches the kids - no fancy tricks or Pinterest worthy pranks.  We keep it simple.

When I searched for our Elf at the beginning of this Christmas season, I found a white felt skirt unopened.  I decided to change things up, so our Elf was a girl this year.  I'm not so sure it went over as well as I thought it would!  Previously, JP and AA had named our boy elf "Chippy."  When the girl elf appeared, I suggested the name "Chiperella"or "Chipette."  Nope.  The Elf name this year?  Snow Queen!  (and A calls her Drag Queen).

Next year Chippy better return!

FRIENDS

The H family from Virginia joined us for an entire afternoon!  Normally when we get together the kids only play for an hour or so … never long enough to really play.  But today JP and AA showed their buddies all  of their toys and had a great time reconnecting.  We can't wait for the next playdate!  It's probably our turn to make a trip out East!

EARLY CHRISTMAS

Since A will be away over the next week, we decided to celebrate Christmas tonight. Our Elf left a note this morning informing the kids of Santa's decision to come early so that Daddy could be home.  

Tonight was the first time we celebrated Christmas at our house with just us.  Each kid received three presents and we kept it very simple.  And it was wonderful.  They were excited- but not overstimulated.    And Baby J just loved the ribbons and wrapping.  In the years to come, I bet none of us will remember that we celebrated Christmas early this year.  

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PART II

And today we attended JP's Preschool Christmas Program.  I again struggled (see last post).  This little sweetheart was so proud to sing for us!

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Today we attended AA's Preschool Christmas Program.  I struggled with trying to be in the moment while trying to capture each moment on camera and video … these times are just too precious to forget!

 Only six other little friends in her class. 

 Allison and AA 

and best buddy Brayden (with proud big brother!).

SANTA

What do you get when you mix an 8 month old live wire with Santa Claus?  

 Screaming? Smiles? 

Nope … Baby J cranked back his neck and rubbed his head in Santa's beard for two straight minutes!  Even Santa was surprised! 

BARE SKIN

It's probably not appropriate for me to post naked baby pictures, so let me just say that the non-G rated photos of Baby J after bath time are so cute!  Whenever I carry him back to his room after a bath, he wriggles out of the towel and beelines it to his book shelf.  Not sure what it is about reading books naked, but Baby J loves it!

O CHRISTMAS TREE

Growing up, my December Birthday friends always emphasized the importance of separating birthday from Christmas celebrations  … I've tried to take their advice to heart now that AA's Big Day falls two weeks before Jesus's Big Day.  For the last four years, we hold off on putting up the Christmas tree until after AA's party.  (And for the last four years, Grandpa J and Grandma S cut our hand picked tree from their tree farm the morning of AA's party and haul it down freshly chopped).  This doesn't leave much time to enjoy the beauty of the tree, but I think the tradition is meaningful.  

How lovely are your branches, O Christmas Tree.

FROZEN PARTY

Like every other girl turning FOUR, AA chose a Frozen birthday party theme.  We spent the day with our best friends and family.