Today was my official last day of work until January 4th! What better way to celebrate than to watch Rudolf by the fire!
It started with the kids in their chairs.
But, I had to join in on the fun. The flash “ruins” the mood. Picture the only lights being the tree and fire place. As cozy as I’ve ever been!
Welcome the official holiday celebrations!
A few weeks back, the kids and I made the sugar cookies that we are going to give Santa. Today was the fun part – we got to decorate them. Thank goodness Babe and Pops got here today. Pops was a huge help in the kitchen. I grew up in the kitchen with my Dad. Feel so blessed that the kids get to join in on the fun! These really are the memories that I’ll cherish forever.
I seriously envisioned “decorating” the trees with icing. I’m so glad I looked over and saw a big bowl of M&Ms! So much easier; so much cuter; so much tastier.
The stars got sprinkles.
So did the seat of Conlee’s chair – ha!
The kids lost interest when the M&Ms and sprinkles were out. So I was left to do stockings, candy canes and snowmen! I think we have enough to satisfy Santa :)
Ms. Kat got very “brave” and had a class Christmas party for Crawford’s class. She was so kind that she allowed parents and siblings to attend. Net = there were a ton of people! The pictures don’t do it justice as to how loud and crazy it was – but the best part – the kids had a blast!
There were 2 crafts – 1) making snow globes 2) using sugar cones to make icing decorated Christmas trees. Let’s just say they’ll be finding sprinkles in that room all of the way till June :)
Love this picture of Cade and Conlee with Trenton – they thought they were so big.
The “guys” at their table.
We “accidentally” left the cone tree – but look how cute the snow globes are! We used empty baby food containers.
Feel really blessed that both of my kids LOVE going to their “school.”
Many of you may not know that my husband lives a "fake” life where he’s known as “Bo.” He’s real name is “Lee” based on my MIL’s maiden name (which by the way is where we got Con-LEE). Tonight we got together with that side of the family. I’m so lucky that while Bo is an only child – he’s super close with his cousins. We really consider Garon to be Crawford’s cousin (while technically they are second cousins).
Paula and Bunky were nice enough to host the gang at their house. The kids piled in their bed to watch Toy Story 3!
After some super yummy Tim’s pizza – it was time for gifts!
Poor Yoshi – she’s the best dog in the world. She should get a good nights rest after 3 kids 4 and under rocked her world.
Can you tell that Crawford got a Spiderman punching bag? He also got a Spiderman Chutes-n-Ladders – classic! Conlee got a remote control My Little Pony. She loves it (and is having to fight Crawford for it).
We had cookies for dessert – of course it was a hit.
What a great non-stress, low-key evening: pizza, gifts and cookies – who could want more. So thankful to have the privilege of being part of this amazing family.
First off, for those of you that didn’t get an invite – don’t feel like you were left out. We had the Rogers over for dinner and Crawford insisted we were having a Christmas party. Well, we did exchange gifts and I did have red and green tortilla chips – so I guess we had all of the “trimmings” of a party. Conlee was super excited before they got here.
I guess she was in her “party” gear!
We decided to make gingerbread houses. I am NEVER, can I repeat NEVER – successful with gingerbread houses. They look deceivingly easy. Well, this year I ended up helping Cole and Cade while Amanda helped my kids. I’m sad to say that Amanda left with not the prettiest of houses. Let’s just say there was lots of “snow” (thank you Cole) and a headless reindeer (thank you Cade)! All I can say is at least the roof stayed in tact – ha!
Conlee just ate handfuls of sprinkles!
Crawford and Conlee’s house.
Cade and Cole’s house.
We did get festive and ate at the dinning room table. I even let Crawford and Cole eat on the Spode Christmas china with the adults. Conlee and Cade sat at the “little” table but they didn’t mind a bit! I cheated and went super easy – Mexican pile on. As many of you know I don’t eat red meat – but I have no aversion to my kids eating it. Apparently I need to cook with it a bit more – Crawford asked for seconds of the “yummy stuff.”
Then it was time for presents! The first thing Cole whispered when he walked in (think super quiet “secret” whisper in Crawford’s ear), “We get to play with the grill that’s in there!”
They got Crawford a super cool grill so he can grill with his Daddy!
Look at them all twisting knobs and opening doors.
We gave Cole a spaceship with like a million parts (I think I owe Kyle and apology). The boys chased each other around with spaceships!
Conlee got the Melissa & Doug slice and bake cookie set. Amanda’s always the best gift giver. She put in a flower spatula and whisk – and that was all Conlee needed.
So you didn’t believe me? See Conlee with the spatula in the background. That’s Crawford opening her gift!
Cade was up next. We got him a Donald Duck fire truck.
Cade loved the truck…Conlee loved Donald.
Once Conlee realized she could bake and slice her cookies she was in. Side note: check out Con’s pink “Princess” slippers. She changed shoes like 3 times during the night!
I don’t know how Amanda and I didn’t get our pictures taken (oh yeah the boys don’t even think about it) but I got an adorable monogrammed makeup bag with a Clinique lip gloss (a splurge for me!).
Before calling it a night – we had to have a dessert. The Reindeer cookies from the previous post were on the menu. I love Cole – he just ate the pretzels and wanted more pretzels. Mine were crying over more M&M’s!
We had so much fun at our “party”! I feel so blessed that Bo and Kyle have been friends for 30 years. Good thing they both got lucky and married “up” – ha! I love that we are so close – they are my “adopted” family. Can’t wait for many more “parties” in the years to come.
