As we headed through our countdown to Christmas here were some of the highlights. . .
Christmas Train - This year we got to join some special friends for one of our favorite Christmas traditions. The kids really enjoyed our time riding the train, playing outside, and enjoying sweet treats. It is always a highlight that we get to visit Santa here as well. The kids each took their list. Ben went over his in more detail with Santa to make sure he saw everything. Elizabeth just surrendered hers quickly and then ran back to Mom and Dad. She stood near Santa for a picture as long as Dad held her hand. She was a little more happy when we all joined in. Ben just soaked in each moment and compared it to the year before and you could tell his little brain was cementing each fact so he could recall that magical moment next year.
School Program - The kids have performed in their school program each year since they were born. It is something we look forward to each year. Elizabeth's class performed Frosty the Snowman this year. She knew most of the words (shockingly as there are lots) and had all the motions down as well. She sang along some on stage and was happy throughout the whole event, so it was a huge success in our eyes. Ben's class recited Twas the Night Before Christmas. Mom could barely breathe before his part and there may have been a few prayers for each child to be successful (whatever that looked like). And there may have been a "Yes!" whispered loudly at the end after each kid clearly recited their lines. Each kid (even super shy ones) held the microphone and clearly got all of their lines out. It was awesome! The kindergarten class also did a nativity scene and sang Joseph's Lullaby. A few days before the show Ben had been very clear about which row to sit in. It was near the front, but it was the third row back on the far left. Mom thought that was odd, but assumed Ben was standing on the left and the other rows might be reserved for staff or something. Turns out during the nativity his post as a wise man was directly next to the far left seat on the third row. Dad could literally touch him during the song and we got a great view. He was very pleased with our chosen seats and had it planned out all along!
"The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads."
School Parties - Both kids enjoyed their class parties. Ben's was first and he had a pizza party with snowman cookies. The kids had a blast and had also brought some gifts to share with the classroom so they have some new games and things to play with. Elizabeth's was later in the day and they had fun food and also brought gifts to share. Their class got new dress-up items, dolls, crayons, chalk, and all sorts of fresh stuff to start the new year.
Baking and gift making - Ben really enjoys making things for gifts (as long as he keeps some for himself of course). This year he and Grandma Lyn and Grandpa David made dough ornaments that Ben painted for various people. The sweetest ornament made was for Mr. Larry our next door neighbor. We also made some sweet breads to share and Ben was so excited to go next door to share this work of art and treat with his buddy next door. The funniest ornament made was for Ben, from Mr. Ben. He thought that made it look like it really wasn't a gift to himself and really got a kick out of that one. Ben also took a class with his friend Abigail at Sage Culinary Studio. They had a great time and the moms got to hang out and watch the whole thing on closed circuit TV. Way cool! They made cookies and soup mix and brought home recipes for those and one more treat they didn't have time to make. We made that third treat along with some others that Mom had found on Pinterest. The results may not have been as beautiful as Pinterest, but Mom and Ben had a great time and will definitely be making this an annual tradition. Sister will probably even get to join the fun next year or get her own special day.
Christmas Train - This year we got to join some special friends for one of our favorite Christmas traditions. The kids really enjoyed our time riding the train, playing outside, and enjoying sweet treats. It is always a highlight that we get to visit Santa here as well. The kids each took their list. Ben went over his in more detail with Santa to make sure he saw everything. Elizabeth just surrendered hers quickly and then ran back to Mom and Dad. She stood near Santa for a picture as long as Dad held her hand. She was a little more happy when we all joined in. Ben just soaked in each moment and compared it to the year before and you could tell his little brain was cementing each fact so he could recall that magical moment next year.
School Program - The kids have performed in their school program each year since they were born. It is something we look forward to each year. Elizabeth's class performed Frosty the Snowman this year. She knew most of the words (shockingly as there are lots) and had all the motions down as well. She sang along some on stage and was happy throughout the whole event, so it was a huge success in our eyes. Ben's class recited Twas the Night Before Christmas. Mom could barely breathe before his part and there may have been a few prayers for each child to be successful (whatever that looked like). And there may have been a "Yes!" whispered loudly at the end after each kid clearly recited their lines. Each kid (even super shy ones) held the microphone and clearly got all of their lines out. It was awesome! The kindergarten class also did a nativity scene and sang Joseph's Lullaby. A few days before the show Ben had been very clear about which row to sit in. It was near the front, but it was the third row back on the far left. Mom thought that was odd, but assumed Ben was standing on the left and the other rows might be reserved for staff or something. Turns out during the nativity his post as a wise man was directly next to the far left seat on the third row. Dad could literally touch him during the song and we got a great view. He was very pleased with our chosen seats and had it planned out all along!
"The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads."School Parties - Both kids enjoyed their class parties. Ben's was first and he had a pizza party with snowman cookies. The kids had a blast and had also brought some gifts to share with the classroom so they have some new games and things to play with. Elizabeth's was later in the day and they had fun food and also brought gifts to share. Their class got new dress-up items, dolls, crayons, chalk, and all sorts of fresh stuff to start the new year.
Enjoying some treats before opening class gifts
Light Tour - We took the kids to Rhema this year to look at lights as we do almost every year. They love to walk through the light tunnel and see all of the displays. We also drove around to see lights around town. We went to two houses that had lights set to music that you could listen to on your radio. The kids got so spoiled to those that they kept asking at each house what music we would be hearing to go with the lights. Needless to say Ben is determined that he and Dad will beef up our efforts next year.Baking and gift making - Ben really enjoys making things for gifts (as long as he keeps some for himself of course). This year he and Grandma Lyn and Grandpa David made dough ornaments that Ben painted for various people. The sweetest ornament made was for Mr. Larry our next door neighbor. We also made some sweet breads to share and Ben was so excited to go next door to share this work of art and treat with his buddy next door. The funniest ornament made was for Ben, from Mr. Ben. He thought that made it look like it really wasn't a gift to himself and really got a kick out of that one. Ben also took a class with his friend Abigail at Sage Culinary Studio. They had a great time and the moms got to hang out and watch the whole thing on closed circuit TV. Way cool! They made cookies and soup mix and brought home recipes for those and one more treat they didn't have time to make. We made that third treat along with some others that Mom had found on Pinterest. The results may not have been as beautiful as Pinterest, but Mom and Ben had a great time and will definitely be making this an annual tradition. Sister will probably even get to join the fun next year or get her own special day.
Some of Ben's candycane heart treats
It was an awesome holiday season and we are already planning and looking forward to next year!
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