Playing in the Leaves

Yesterday we made a big pile of leaves for the sole purpose of jumping in them. It helped that it was 65 degrees out. With all of the Christmas presents they recieved this Christmas it is still activities like these that get them the most excited. 

10 Months Old

Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas Eve!

We celebrated with a Ham dinner (My first time making a ham and it actually turned out well!). Them we watched our traditional movies... How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The original), The Polar Express and then after the kids went to bed Christmas Vacation. Before Ryan went to bed he asked if I would lock his door because he didn't want Santa to watch him sleep... he is obviously a huge fan of the big man. 

Gingerbread House

I made the mistake of buying a gingerbread making kit early in December. Now I knew we wouldn't have time to do it that early but I didn't want to have to go back to the store. So the kids have been asking me everyday when they will get to put the thing together. Finally yesterday when the kids were a little under the weather and we were stuck in the house (for far too long) I gave in and we made the house. Its possible more candy was eaten than put on the house but such is life.

Celebratory Movie Night

To celebrate surviving the 2014 portion of the school year we had a movie night at our house. Everyone came in their PJ's and we ate junk food and tried to watch Arthur Christmas. All the kids were wired and the night ended with everyone out in the backyard in the dark running around like crazy people. I guess after half a year of sitting and learning there was a lot of energy to be expelled. It was great to hangout and now we are going to chill out for the next 2 weeks.

Audrey's Yule Log Ceremony

Audrey had a Yule Log ceremony at her school to celebrate the Holiday season. Each classroom decorated a log with messages of what they hoped for in the world. It ranged for no homelessness to happiness. They all burned the logs together along with one log they saved from last years celebration. After the ceremony the whole school community sang Christmas carols. 

Ryan's Classroom Holiday Party

Ryan's class had a holiday potluck that parents were invited to. They did presentations on the different winter holidays, Ryan's group did Hanukkah. I wasn't able to attend because Audrey's school had a Holiday event at the same time but luckily Don was able to go.  

Frozen On Ice

Audrey and Ryan were given tickets to Frozen on Ice by their grandma. Audrey is obsessed with Frozen and it was the first live show that she has really gotten into. Ryan loves big theatrical shows so they both had a really good time.  

Christmas in Audrey's Classroom

I was able to go into Audrey's classroom and volunteer with some of their Christmas work. First we did a gingerbread house (with A LOT of candy), and then a sewing project where Audrey sewed decorations on a felt tree. What a fun time in the classroom! 

New Hope Valley Railroad Santa Train

We went to the New Hope Valley Railroad Santa Train this morning! We thought it would be rainy and freezing but the weather wasn't too bad. It was Kenzie's first year and she fell asleep when the train started to move but in my book that is a big two thumbs up. Only the Herron's were able to join us this year but still had a great time!