We are decking the halls...
 |
| Notice even Sookie has a stocking. |
Decorating gingerbread houses...
Visiting
real gingerbread houses...
 |
| This was actually a really fun day. The kids got up and ready for school, then on the way I surprised them with the Festival of Tree's instead! |
 |
| Love the Little House love |
 |
| We topped off our day with a movie~ Despicable Me 2. The kids were dying to see it, and it had really taken over the Festival of Tree's theme, so we had to see what it was all about. Kinda funny, if I do say so. |
We're hanging our stockings...
And putting together fun Christmas puzzles that come in the mail from Granny and Grandpa...
We picked names this year for the first time! The kids were so excited for this new tradition, and it was so sweet to see them secretly creating little gifts for each other.
And super exciting to watch them pop up one by one under the tree.
We gathered together for our fun, but somewhat sad little Family Christmas party. It was a far cry from the war-ball extravaganza's in years past, but as you can see, we just like to be together.
Jon started a new tradition in our family this year. One night we had a mysterious knock at the door... to find our own family elf! Yep, we are one of those! He came with a fun book to read and instructions. The kids named him Buddy Ho-Ho Goodfellow. I was just as humored as the kids the rest of the month to find where he'd moved to and what he'd been up to. He was a real highlight of the month I'd say, and since talked of fondly. We haven't seen him since Christmas Eve, but assume he'll be back next year.
 |
| The kids were mad to find he'd finished off a plate of neighbor goodie gifts overnight. |
We put together and delivered neighbor and teacher gifts. This year I wrapped a pomegranate like an ornament with a poem. Good stuff!
 |
| Don't you love "White Christmas" going in the background. We had to watch all the classics! |
Even Sookie cozied right up to the Holidays, our first with her.
We attended Adren's class Christmas concert...
Then celebrated the LAST day of school in 2013! Always seems to be perfect timing for a little breather. The kids are sooo very excited! And I must admit, I am too!
Visiting real gingerbread houses...
And putting together fun Christmas puzzles that come in the mail from Granny and Grandpa...
We picked names this year for the first time! The kids were so excited for this new tradition, and it was so sweet to see them secretly creating little gifts for each other. 
And super exciting to watch them pop up one by one under the tree.
Jon started a new tradition in our family this year. One night we had a mysterious knock at the door... to find our own family elf! Yep, we are one of those! He came with a fun book to read and instructions. The kids named him Buddy Ho-Ho Goodfellow. I was just as humored as the kids the rest of the month to find where he'd moved to and what he'd been up to. He was a real highlight of the month I'd say, and since talked of fondly. We haven't seen him since Christmas Eve, but assume he'll be back next year.
We put together and delivered neighbor and teacher gifts. This year I wrapped a pomegranate like an ornament with a poem. Good stuff!
We attended Adren's class Christmas concert...
Then celebrated the LAST day of school in 2013! Always seems to be perfect timing for a little breather. The kids are sooo very excited! And I must admit, I am too!