Holiday Prep

I love the prepping that leads up to Christmas. The parties, baking, crafts, days out in the snow...all of it. Although, it's such a busy time of year with all of the hustle and bustle, all of the craziness seems to bring me a sense of calm (sounds crazy). 
A few weeks ago we had a little snow. When we see snow, we run for snow pants and boots. Last year Aubrin didn't like it much if her mittens got wet, but this year was a bit different. My little lady was a champ this year with Jackson.
 
A friend of ours in the neighborhood always has a Santa party a few weeks before Christmas. It's always a great way to gather all of our friends in the neighborhood together. We see each other all summer while outside, but not so much as the weather gets colder. As Santa was walking in the house, Aubrin was walking down the stairs from the playroom. She turned the corner just as Santa was coming in the front door. I couldn't get to her fast enough to stop the reaction that I knew was coming. If only I had the video camera on. I think I could have won a lot of money on America's Funniest Home Video. She turned around ran up the stairs in a blur, screaming. She shut the bedroom door and just cried. Poor girl. So I went and got her and we made it back down stairs with her tightly attached to the front of me. Jackson was sitting front and center waiting for Santa to call his name. When he did, Jack jumped right up and without Santa asking Jackson said, "I would really like an i pod touch." Then it was almost a sense of relief on Jackson's face, like, "I finally told him. Now he knows what to bring me." When it was Aubrin's turn I had to hold her, tightly, but she went up. She told Santa that she wanted a Brave dress. After Santa was done talking with all of the kids, Aubrin went back up on her own and talked with him for a few minutes. It takes our little lady a bit longer to warm up. It was a good night for all.

Aubrin had her Jingle Bell party at school. I was able to go and spend the morning with her. We made crafts, ate, sang songs and visited with friends. It was nice to chat with Mrs. Katie and hear how great Aubrin is doing at school and ready for Kindergarten (sigh).

  
I had to get back to work, but Julia met me at school and stayed the rest of the morning with her and then took Aubrin out for a special lunch. 

The kids love decorating their own tree. Over the past couple of years they have both gotten special ornaments from people that go on their tree. It was surprising to me that they knew the story that went with each ornament.

Jackson had a Gingerbread musical at school. I am sad to say that I could not go because of the time it was at, but Todd, Aubrin and my parents were able to go. Although I felt like I saw the musical every night at home. Jackson LOVED singing all of the songs and did a great job practicing his line that he needed to say. After the performance everyone went back to the room for punch and cookies. Todd took pictures had the camera, but not to many pictures.Although, he did the best he could:) Thanks honey!
We were also able to fit in making cookies and a few crafts here and there. I love having my babes crafts around the house. It just screams Merry Christmas to me.