Christmas Prep

 COVID and quarantine kind of threw me off my Christmas game, but we made up for it the week before Christmas and were able to squeeze a lot in-

SIBLING GIFT EXCHANGE SHOPPING

12/17/21

We RARELY go to the mall, but it is always fun to stroll through at Christmastime and it was the perfect way to divide and conquer with all the kids getting gifts for each other.

They all found something for each other and had a fun time in our little groups.

We got some Chick Fil A for dinner and watched a Christmas movie to top off the night!

GINGERBREAD HOUSES

12/18/21

CHRISTMAS BAKING & CAROLING

12/19/21

We delivered treats and cards to our neighbors and sang Away in a Manger followed by We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and it is was a huge hit, as always! It is one of our favorite things to do each year!

FRIEND CHRISTMAS PARTY

12/20/21

We wanted to host a Christmas party with friends this year and we are so happy it happened! It got postponed for a few days because of COVID/Flu going around in our house, but we made it happen and nobody got sick!

The Rancs

The Joyces (minus Celia)

The Whitneys

The Monsens

Dinner time at the big kid table-

Liv was a little overwhelmed with the amount of guests when she woke up, but she recovered just fine!

We played a fun game where I read a Christmas story and the kids passed gifts left and right as I said those words in the story. They had a great time and were all great sports about their gifts!

After the kids played, the adults played a fun round of White Elephant! We had some good laughs!

The rest of the night was spent with kids playing all over and the adults playing Catch Phrase. What a fun night!

THE NUTCRACKER

12/21/21

I had never been to the Nutcracker before this year and I knew this was the year Eve would enjoy it. I am so glad I bought these tickets last minute and had the most fun, fanciest night with my girl.

We both gave it two thumbs way up and will be back next year!

SANTA

12/22/21

We weren't sure if seeing Santa was going to happen this year, but I woke up on the 22nd determined that my believers were going to see the Big Man before Christmas Day. We took a chance and went to Cabela's without and appointment and our Christmas wish was fulfilled and we only had to wait in line for about 15 minutes before seeing him.

These two were the most excited and got to tell Santa they wanted video games (Wes), and a puppy (Eve) -- But Santa reminded Eve he only has magic with toys and that he can't bring puppies. Eve was a little flustered and said she wanted a Nintendo Switch instead. 

Look at my happy bunch with the Big Guy! Mae stared off into the distance to pretend that it wasn't happening. She wouldn't talk to or look at Santa, but was ok to sit on Thad's lap for the picture, thank heavens!

The Costco across the street was calling our names so we had a quick lunch after our successful visit with Santa-

I don't take all five out on my own very often, so it must be documented when it happens!

Before we knew it, it was time for Christmas!! What a fun and special season this is!