A Visit From The South

While we wait in excited anticipation for the arrival of one very jolly man from up North, we were graced with a visit from the South.

Dearest Grammy and her ever fabulous sister, Aunt Linda, made a quick trip up to see us.  Although, it was way too short, it was indeed sweet.

We started the afternoon with a pre-Christmas gift exchange, which naturally the kids were elated with.  {even Jack who was most definitely under the weather}  Amazing how a Christmas present can perk up a sick child.

Clay scored a new grill cover {hmm..wonder why?}, I got a new pair of yoga pants among other fabulous things, and the kids didn't do so bad either.  These are just a few of their favorites.

By far, Lucy and her new stroller stole the show.  Or actually, maybe it was Maggie and her singing Anna dress.  Needless to say, it was a wonderfully festive visit.

We spent the evening enjoying a family dinner {the kind where you have to pull up a chair from another room to the table--just love those}, playing board games, talking, snuggling, and then we topped it all off with a Christmas movie.

Seriously the best visit from the South!  We just can't wait for another!

Party Time

I spent this last week of school party hopping.  Somehow I managed to hit all three parties and even throw one of them.  It was a great finale to the first half of the school year.

Jack's was first.  It fell on a Tuesday this year.  I can't really explain that rationale, but I could hardly complain because it freed me up for the girl's shindigs later in the week.  I was co-party mom on this one.  Something about planning a "winter" party seems to bring on a plethora of challenges for me.  Basically the only theme I'm left with after ruling out every Christmas possibility is snowmen.

Somehow, I just couldn't bring myself to do it this year.  I am so over the building an edible snowman thing.  {maybe because of Mag's party?!?!}

So...I opted for a hot chocolate bar.  Brave with a room full of 6 and 7 year olds {who had just returned from P.E--note the sweat head}.  But delicious fun!

The kiddos in Ms.W's class had a grand time decorating their mugs and then hitting the bar.  It had everything from chocolate chips to peppermint marshmallows to blue cotton candy {and lots of other goodies in between}.  I added some snowballs {white powdered doughnuts} for a tasty snack.

Jack was so busy enjoying himself that he hardly noticed my presence {or at least pretended he didn't}.  But I did catch a bashful grin shot my way that was most definitely his way of saying, "thanks for coming"...and I'd like to assume..."I love you".

After the hot chocolate and snacks we ended the whole 30 minute party {don't even get me started on that one} with a snowball game.  I used our snowball centerpiece above to try to play an organized game.  Needless to say, it was interesting.

I ended the week with two pre-school parties.  One of which the parents were invited to and one I snuck in to.  Since I was technically allowed to come to Lu's party that was my first stop.

This cuteness was at her seat.

But it got even cuter when this little one showed up to sit in it.

This precious little reindeer was lovin' some cupcake.

 

I couldn't get enough of Lucy's sweetness and her icing covered grin.  I must have gone through an entire container of wipes by the time she was finished devouring her treat.  {and I must note my attire, hair do, and less than presentable self is afforded to a yoga class pre-party time}

We snuck out of Lu's party a bit early and headed over to Maggie's celebration.  When we showed up Maggie was entranced in a Christmas story and didn't even notice us.

But, once she did, she was over the moon excited.  The sisterly love is absolutely irresistible.

We waddled out of pre-school that afternoon with bags filled with an abundance of loot.  Once home we sorted through all the gifts, cards and candy.  The girls had great fun spreading it ALL OVER the kitchen floor.

Unfortunately, it abruptly ended with a "your son is sick at school" phone call.  Ugh...poor guy.  Thankfully it was post party day and all he has on his agenda is to hang at home for the next 3 weeks {yikes!} and get well.

Hoping it's sooner than later...

Hay & Lights

We followed up Maggie's "not so" singing performance with a festive night in the neighborhood.  Our sweet neighbors invited us over for a Christmas hayride and hot chocolate.

Post sunset we set down the road to catch the hay filled truck and catch up with friends.  Lucy couldn't understand why this hayride wasn't at a farm.  The whole way down the road she assumed she was going to for sure see a "pony and a farmer" at the hayride.  Luckily, not much disappoints her and she was perfectly happy with a regular ol' house and some kids.

Among coats, hats, and mittens, my littles were also decked out in glowing accessories.  My favorite of which is the glowing flower hair clip donned by the girls.

The evening was complete with a hayride to look for Christmas lights, hide and seek, a game of tag, a fire pit, marshmallow roasting and lots of kids.

We saw many glimmering lights and even a few inflatable Santas and what nots.  Just the perfect evening to put us in the Christmas spirit.

When we returned, Lucy had her first go at roasting marshmallows with the assistance of Daddy.

And Maggie enjoyed demonstrating her light up gear to the other kiddos.

Jack could be found inside bushes and behind trees during a very energetic game of hide and seek.  And that pretty much explains why I don't have a picture of him.

We are going to spend the next week celebrating with school parties and gearing up for company.  We are more than excited about the week ahead!

11 days 'til Christmas!!

Not So Merry

I was holding out the tiniest bit of hope for Maggie's Christmas Performance at school today.  The hope that she may actually perform, she may actually sing, or at least she may actually smile.

Not so much as a snicker from the most beautiful Grinch I know.  Clearly "performing" in front of audiences is NOT her thing.

Take a look at this face.  And then notice the other kiddos around her.

However, {because I'm going to keep my glass half full this season}, she did face the audience and she didn't sob.  A few straggling tears, but those quickly dried up.

I think our "just stand there and look pretty if you feel nervous {and face the audience for gosh sakes}" conversation must of helped a little bit.  Quite an improvement from her Spring Sing and Ballet Recital last year.

And to think, her teacher told me she was a shining star at rehearsal.  Guess it's high time I sneak into one of those.

Until then we've got our plates full of other things to make this a "Merry" season.  Thank goodness.  And in keeping with the glass full theme...we love you with all our hearts, Maggie...singing or no singing.