Christmas Countdown

Last week we began our Christmas Countdown activities. We love having something fun to do each day leading up to the big day. 

Day 24: Don't Eat the Reindeer! 

You should hear the maniac laughs that come out of these kids when we play this game. They love it!

 Day 23: Stringing popcorn for the tree. 

They did way better with this activity than I expected. We only have 2 strands on our tree and our living room floor was covered in popcorn when they were done, but they loved it!

Day 22: Make paper snowflakes. 

They made a big pile of snowflake and hung them in our windows. 

 Day 21: Our 3rd Annual Grinch Party!!

 We love our Grinch party. This year the kids made Grinch masks, played Pin the Heart on the Grinch, we read How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and we had our Grinchy Green dinner. 

 We made green Grinch heart cookies for dessert.

 Day 20: Salem Pond and Letters to Santa 

Daddy was gone for the evening, so we loaded up the car and headed for some Christmas light adventures. We loved finding houses that were decorated for Christmas and we went to see all the lights on Salem Pond

 Everyone agreed that the Pond was beautiful all lit up. 

Before bed, they all got their letter written to Santa. Tessa had a hard time deciding whether or not she had been good this year. 

Adam's Santa Hat

It's that time of year again. When Adam eats, sleeps and does everything in between all while wearing his Santa hat. The only times he doesn't have it on is when he is at school or at church. It's the first thing he grabs when he gets home from school and it doesn't come off his head until we leave for school the next morning. 

(And yes, he's playing outside in December in short sleeves. We're having a heat wave that we are hating. We want some snow!!)

 I am not sure how many years now Adam has been wearing the same Santa hat, but we noticed that it was filthy and pretty stinky. So, his old hat was retired and he got a new hat this year. Even he was grossed out when he saw the difference between the two hats. The picture doesn't really do the old hat justice. I guess you can say it was a very loved and well worn hat.

Decorating for Christmas

Friday evening, we got out box after box and put up our Christmas decorations. The kids love putting the tree up. (Someday I'll have a real one again.) Tessa is excellent at separating out all of the branches and Adam does a good job of fluffing.  

 They were thrilled to find the box with their hats and headbands! Caleb was not so thrilled.

 My little Readers didn't waste a minute once the Christmas books came out. 

 Christmas movies galore! We will be well entertained this month. 

 Gwen was happy to find all of her movie friends. 

 They are always so excited to hang their very own ornaments. 

 Gwennie loved that her picture was on an ornament.

 Our favorite part of decorating for Christmas is reading out stocking notes. Gwen decided to try and wear her stocking as an actual sock. 

 Daddy helped the girls read their notes. Tessa was grossed out that one of her goals was to try a fruit. Needless to say, that one didn't happen. 

 All done and so happy to celebrate this wonderful time of year!

 Our traditional cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate and/or egg nog after decorating. They watched the Grinch and Gwen was so enthralled, I don't think she blinked once.

 Saturday morning, Daddy, Adam and Teddy Elephant put up our Christmas lights. 

 That evening we went back to Ma and Pa's house for more tree decorating. 

It was a fun and festive weekend!