One Week Until Christmas!

This week's Christmas activities included making a gingerbread house, putting up the outdoor lights, and watching Christmas specials on TV.  We made a gingerbread house last year and it was one of the kids favorite activities so it has become a tradition.  I outsmarted myself by buying this years kit last December at the after Christmas sales for 75% off.  When we opened it up the icing was the consistency of play doh so it took a lot of work to make it come out right.  Of course, their favorite part is decorating it with the candy.    Kyle and I weren't too smart when we decided to display the finished product within chomping distance of Toby on the kitchen cart.  So, now the house has found a new place on the mantle and it is missing a piece of a wall and a gingerbread tree.  When Kyle picked up the house to move it, Toby went running to hide!  He knew he was in trouble.

Tuesday night we had the annual traditional Mark's Feed Store Christmas party.  I think we've been going to that for 6 years now...I might have to have Kyle verify that.  The past two years Drea and Sydney have joined us.  Kids eat free.  Santa appears and they have children's activities.  This year the kids made paper stockings and colored Christmas trees.  They also had ice cream and milk and cookies!  

Zachary's school Christmas program was also this week.  He looked super cute dressed as a donkey in the nativity scene.  They sang songs and had a short nativity play.  The kids made all the parents adorable sweatshirts with their handprints on them as gifts.

Thursday were Zachary's and Isabella's Christmas parties at school.  Zachary's party was actually a birthday party for Jesus.  The kids brought in baby items for Home of the Innocents.  I was able to go to that and help.  They had cake and cookies and watched a short movie about the birth of Jesus.  Isabella had a party at preschool.  Each kid brought in a gift and they randomly exchanged presents.  The teachers also gave them a nice goody bag full of toys and treats.  

Vincent Update:  Vincent is starting to outgrow all his 0-3 month old clothes, which makes sense because he is almost 3 months old!  Time goes by so quickly!  He is starting to grab toys and pull them to his mouth.  He has been working on bringing both hands together.  You can tell it takes lots of concentration!  He loves bright colors.  He is also starting to get some chunky legs and chubby cheeks.  He is super cute and a great baby!!

This week the Christmas festivities continue through Saturday.  Christmas break starts and we have lots of family to visit.  Kyle will be busy making all of his Christmas cookies/treats.  The kids are already super excited!  We can't wait to see what joy this week brings!!