December just started and we've already had so much fun with our traditional Christmas activities. Every year I make this super DIY Advent tree as a little way to countdown to Christmas. The kids get so excited each morning to find the days ornament, flip it up and see what special activity we'll do that day. Some days are pretty simple like read a Christmas book or listen to Christmas music but other days are more festive like visit Santa, drive to see lights or make a Christmas craft. We love all things Christmas around here so it's never hard to think up new activities!
To get the month started off right, Matt and I got a date night! His work Christmas party happened to fall on Carter's birthday this year but we were able to squeeze it in and find some adult time. Even though we spent the evening making random small talk with his co-workers it was still fun to get dressed up and have a night out.
The next morning we took the kids to have breakfast with Santa. We started this tradition last year and after realizing what a good fit it was for our kids, we wanted to continue it. Our kids aren't great at standing in line and they all take a little time to warm up to strangers, including Santa. So, having breakfast and being able to watch Santa from a distance is great to let them decide when they are ready to go talk to him. The big kids did great and Simon was fantastic all through breakfast (which is no easy feat with a squirmy toddler!).
Simon did great that is, until it was time to actually visit Santa. From a distance he was so curious but sitting on his lap was another story. Poor guy. Luckily Lucy and Carter weren't even distracted from the screaming and jumped right up to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. And, for the record: Lucy wants a Snow White Barbie and Carter is hoping for Dumbledore's wand!
Lucy also colored this cute picture to give to Santa and wanted him to take it back to the North Pole to show the elves, who work so hard all year long. So sweet and he happily obliged to putting it in his bag.
We came home and declared a pj day the rest of the day! Love these boys and their matching jammies. I know these years are short and there will be a day, probably very soon, that I won't be able to convince them to wear ridiculous matching Christmas pajamas. So, I'll soak up these moments now!
The next day was another fun activity off our Advent tree - gingerbread house decorating! We go easy and buy the Costco pre-built house so all we have to do is slap some candy on and call it good.
And finally, to make it feel even more like Christmas....we got snow yesterday!!! The kids woke up to a winter wonderland, schools were closed and we got to play all morning in the white fluffy snow until it turned to slush and they were exhausted. I just loved watching their excitement when they woke up and discovered a snow day.
We waited a whopping 45 minutes before it was light enough outside to bundle up and play. Lucy and Carter were great at getting all their snow gear on. Simon...not so much.
This was Simons first real snow day as last year we had about 100 flakes hit the ground before turning to rain. He was curious and intrigued but really hated having to wear a hat. To make matters worse, I put on those darn pink mittens which meant he couldn't pull his hat off. Poor guy wasn't too happy for a few minutes!
Again...doing everything he can to pull that hat off. Silly boy!
Finally he forgot about the hat and decide to explore the cul-de-sac a little bit. Stomping in the slush was his favorite.
The kids had so much fun pulling each other on the sled. I just love snow days and having the chance to play with my kids. This was such a fun morning.
We invited some neighbor friends over for more snow time to build a snowman. We took a break, had breakfast and hot chocolate and then went out for 3 more rounds! The dryer was working overtime trying to keep hats and mittens warm and dry between all the snow play.
Simon was still pretty unsure about all this bundling up so we headed back home for a long nap while the big kids stayed out to play even longer. Here's hoping he can learn to love the snow before we take all the kids sledding in a few weeks up in the mountains!
After a long morning of playing we changed clothes to get ready for an epic Costco trip (needing to buy party food for a massive birthday party happening later today!). Lucy looked so adorable in her winter dress....I just love this cute girl!
Happy December!!
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