X is for X-Mas (Just This Once, Anyway)

Okay so I'm not super fond of taking the "Christ" out of Christmas. I also realize that Christmas starts with the letter "c". However, I'm stuck with the letter "x" right now and it's December. I wanted to do a holiday lesson so I taught Nora that "x" is for Christmas. So sue me ;)

We bought this cool printed tape at Target. It's made by Kid Made Modern. Don't you just love it? I love all of their stuff!  We used it to make lots of x's. Lots and lots and lots of x's. It was fun!!

It was also fun playing "Pretend X-Mas" together. I gave N and C some gift bags, which they filled with little toys. Then we put them under the tree and opened them. Not only did I do this in order to practice for Christmas morning but I also wanted to pass the lesson on that at one point or another, these toys that they own were shiny and new. These things are still special and we shouldn't take them for granted once the new toys arrive on Christmas day. Call me crazy, but I want my kids to appreciate things, whether they got them a day ago or a year.

Breakfast with Santa 2012

Wow, It's had to believe that this was our fourth annual Breakfast with Santa! This is one tradition that I absolutely LOVE. Our church really does a fabulous job putting this on every year. They serve pancakes for breakfast, play Christmas movies for the kids, provide coloring pages and gifts and invite the local high school choir to sing carols for everyone. Best of all, there is a visit from Santa Claus at the end :) If you ask me, it doesn't get much better than that.

This year Nora was really thrilled to see Santa. Although she asked me to go up with her at first, she got brave enough later on to approach him on her own. She whispered in his ear that she wanted a stick pony. It was so adorable. I almost cried. Claire loved sitting with Santa. She kept cuddling up against his velvety coat. It was so sweet.

Thank you so much, FUMC for hosting the annual Breakfast with Santa. You always make our holiday memorable and merry!

Cousins in Columbus

Earlier this month we went to Columbus to celebrate my beautiful niece. It was a whirlwind of family, fun, fairies and a touch of make-up too (okay, gobs)! Nora had a blast playing with her cousins and Claire had fun chasing Gracie, the cat. Both girls loved spending time with Miss Amy (Aunt Amy just wouldn't stick ;) It was great taking the time to celebrate Sophie Su. She is such a sweet and lovable little girl. We were so glad that we made the trip down. I just adore spending time with my sister and her fam and I know that my girlies feel the same.