Christmas Cookies, Christmas Program, and Gingerbread House Decorating

Christmas is one week away (YIKES), and things are a bit crazy around here. But we did some fun things this last weekend that I didn't want to remain undocumented any longer.

Friday we had our neighborhood moms and kids over to decorate Christmas cookies. This is a little tradition we started last year, and I hope to continue for many years to come. Last year, it was really only Emma and Bennett and Elle who were old enough to get in on the decorating. This year we had the original three, and Evan and Reagan and Taylor at the table as well. And Liv sat in Reagan's seat and tried to join in also! It was a fun afternoon.



Saturday, Bennett participated in his preschool Christmas program. He was a Fireman/Firetruck, knew his part well, and spoke clearly and slowly into the microphone. We were so proud -- he is growing up into a very cute little boy. I had my doubts during the 18-months to 4 years-old stage.





Santa made his traditional stop at the end of the program. He is such a skinny Santa (Sam turned to me and said, "How do the kids not see through this charade?" It is such a good question), but very nice. Bennett enjoyed sitting on his lap, and had no shortage of things to ask for.



Elle waited patiently for a turn, once all the preschool kids were finished. She, unlike Bennett, really doesn't have that much that she wants for Christmas. I think she had a harder time thinking of things.



Reagan wanted nothing to do with the skinny Santa. I had Sam take of picture of me holding Reagan next to Santa, so we have some documentation that Reagan had the opportunity to be by Santa the Christmas of 2008.



Saturday afternoon, our wonderful Hometeachers came over for their December visit. They brought real gingerbread sheets for us to make a gingerbread house with them -- four walls, two pieces for the roof, a chimney stack, and little trees and gingerbread men. We spent about an hour assembling and decorating our masterpiece. It was a really fun activity, and most likely the only time in my childrens lives where they will make a gingerbread house out of anything but a kit. We have great Hometeachers, don't you think?


Last night I had my 2nd Annual Christmas Party/White Elephant Exchange with ladies from my ward. I think everyone had a good time. Tomorrow Elle is the Big Cheese at school, so today we are working madly on her poster, journal, and treats. And then Saturday is her birthday party. Once I have that behind me, I can focus on Christmas. Things aren't slowing down around here any time soon. What a fun, but crazy, time of year.