Pre-Christmas Fun

The weeks leading up to Christmas were filled with lots of fun activities for the littles.  In addition, to our normal festivities (books, advent calendar, movies, etc), we got to enjoy some extra fun stuff in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Rilyn, Ryder, and I went to the library for a special pajama clad reading of the Polar Express. The kids think it's mostly special because we go to the library at night which we never do.  They had crafts, cookies, and hot cocoa to go along with it.

They sat up front and I sat in a chair behind them.  Rilyn did this pretty much the whole time to make sure I was there.

Our park in Larkspur had an annual tree lighting and bonfire.  The kids had lots of fun on a hayride singing carols, hot cocoa and cookies (again), seeing all the Christmas lights, and meeting Santa! It's always cold, dark, and snowy so very few pictures are taken.

Our library also hosted a meet and greet Santa experience so we met Xander and Aebrynn there. Santa was taking questions and Ryder raised his hand.  I was a little nervous to hear what Ryder was going to ask.  I was relieved that he only asked for a hug.  It was pretty cute.

We definitely had enough special activities to keep us busy in December.  

Christmas Prep

We've been enjoying getting ready for Christmas around here.  The Saturday after Thanksgiving we got our tree out and decorated.  It's been nice having our tree up so early.  We typically don't get it out until at least the first week of December, but I've been loving so much time with our Christmas decorations out!

The kids had a great time decorating.  Rilyn did awesome and loves hearing stories behind the ornaments.  Sawyer's shirt says, "Dear Santa, I can explain" and there is a picture of a broken ornament, which apparently is perfect for him since we have not had a broken ornament until this year.  3 so far!

The boys lasted until the cocoa and popcorn came out and then they were done.  When Ryder's cocoa was gone he asked for more and when he was told no he said, "Next time we better use bigger cups for our hot chocolate."  Ha that boy loves his sweets.

The kids also enjoy getting out all the random Christmas toys, clothes, and their nativity.  Ryder has spent time almost every day in his room with his door shut playing with the nativity.  He encircles Jesus with any random toy he can find and they all have to stare at Jesus he tells me.

Ryder also kept asking to try the stocking on??  Such a goof ball thought he was supposed to wear them.

The kids found some attire for a picture, but Ryder was not pleased with his selection so we can just call him the grumpy elf from now on.

Our first family selfie.  Not easy getting all of us, including Rilyn's baby, in a photo!

Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving

The weekend before Thanksgiving we held our 7th annual Friendsgiving, and it was just as fun and yummy as previous years!  I remembered to take pictures of the kiddos but got none of the adults.   It's so much fun to celebrate our friends at this time of year as well as our family!

On the actual day of Thanksgiving, Ryder woke up and ran out of his room and yelled, "Is today Thanksgiving?"  He was so excited.  I laughed and told him it's not like it is Christmas geez.  The kids love any excuse to see their family and eat dessert.

We had a low key morning and all snuggled on the couch to watch the parade.  It's so fun watching the parade with the kids while Tyler rolls his eyes at the excitement over the Broadway Shows.

We did eventually have to get out of our pjs and get dressed....

We headed out to Carly and Ryan's later that morning for a delicious pot luck lunch.  Once again all pictures of kids.

These two boys are so delicious together!  It's really fun to watch them interact!  

Taking guitar lessons from Uncle Ryan...the lesson may have just been please don't destroy my guitar.

When we got home the kids immediately set up their own Thanksgiving table with another delicious feast.

Rilyn and Ryder traced their handprints on chalkboards this year and we filled them up with things they were thankful for all month long.  I love preparing for Thanksgiving because it can really help prepare their hearts for Christmas.  They really have to think as it gets closer to the end of the month about what they are thankful for and it does give them some "preschool" perspective on gratefulness.

Rilyn is thankful for:  books, family, grapes, dollies, tomato soup, food, brothers, a bed, snowball fights, friends, couches, cups, mom and dad, clothes, horses, dogs, TV, doors, and lights.

Ryder is thankful for Uncle Ryan's surgery, mac and cheese, apples, grapes, light, mean guys, trains, airplanes, Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, family, fall, snow, honey, cranberry sauce, and parades.

We are so excited to start our Christmas celebrations!  Holidays are the best with little kids.  I'm pretty sure life doesn't get any better than this!