Christmas Happenings....

We have been busy with all the traditional Christmas happenings lately. So busy that I have not had the time to post that much. But now I am enjoying two weeks off with my sweeties.

We have baked our hearts out this season. I think we have made about 150 cookies, three pans of brownies, and three pans of iooey gooey butter cakes this past month. We have given boxes to teachers, friends, care givers, court clerks, office staff, and wonderful parent helpers. All I know, I am done baking. Not because I do not like it, but my waistline is liking it too much.

Addie had her preschool Christmas Program last week. It is always a treat to see little ones sing... aka yell... Christmas songs.

Addie's cheering section included her cousin Hayden, Aunt Kelli, LiLi, Daddy, and Mommy.
Hayden and Kelli were real troopers getting there early to save seats. Not an easy task with a 14 month old that wants to go, go, go!!!!

Addie's class did really well singing Chubby Snowman and a Peppermint Stick song that I cannot really remember the name of but it is really cute to watch.

Addie is sandwiched by her besties English and Makayla.
What do I love about this pic? That my child can sing with her tongue sticking out. That is concentration people!!!

Mr. Evan shaking his bell.

The 3's and 4's singing together...

We have also made our gingerbread houses. We always do this the night of my gingerbread house celebration at school. I always hope for extra icing and for three years my hopes have come true. The only bad part about waiting for my school celebration... making Addie wait because she is so into decorating Gingy's house.

Mine is the left house with the Fruit Loop roof and Addie's has the M&M's roof.

Drew checking out the candy selections...

We usually do not spend the evenings in our Sunday best but we had just gone to visit Santa. I was not planning on visiting Santa, but Kyle (through his legal persuasive ways) talked Addie into going. I had given up on the dream of children visiting Santa. Last year Addie would not even go in the room after three years of crying and Drew was not a happy camper either. The day before we went I asked Addie if she wanted to go and this was the conversation.
Me: Addie we are going to see Santa this weekend.
Addie: Mommy I do not like guys.
Me: Maybe Mrs. Claus will be there?
Addie: I really don't like anyone whose last name ends with Claus.
Me: Maybe the elves will be there?
Addie: They are too short.
Me: Maybe the Grinch will be there?
Addie: He is too green.
Me: I give up!!!!
But when I got home, Kyle had talked to Addie and she was excited. I was not pushing any type of "dress" for the occasion. I was just going to let her wear the jeans/Christmas shirt she wore to school that day. But Addie had different plans. She said you have to wear "fancy" clothes to see Santa. She went upstairs, picked out a dress, tights, and sparkle shoes.
Jason and Kelli brought Hayden to visit as well, so we had a family night of sorts. We went into the photography studio with the mindset that Kyle and I would be in the picture. The children were good. Addie sat on my knee. Drew sat on Kyle's. Addie spoke to Santa a little and we now have a *family pic of us with Santa. It was the best trip to Santa in 4 years.

LiLi helping our little construction worker...

What do we like to do after we are all clean from baths???
Paint! It never fails but I love it just the same.

I love chubby little fingers holding art supplies...

And finally... who knew a little novelty Santa Kyle's parents gave me 12 years ago would bring such joy to my little ones? When Kyle and I were dating, this Santa was everywhere. I always liked it for some reason. Santa sings "Jingle Bell Rock" and swings his hips side to side. It is cheesy but makes me happy down to my toes.
Now everyday when we get home, we have a dance off.

* I will try to scan the pic soon.