December Activities

It seems like most of our traditions/activities all end up within about a 3 day period!  It just so happened to be on the ONLY cold weekend in all of December!  So, it almost felt like Christmas!  We had so much fun at the Belahaven Singing Christmas Tree.  This is one tradition that I remember from growing up and I love that my children will remember it!  

Sam NEVER EVER EVER falls asleep in people's arms.  I was extremely jealous of my dad!  I sure wish it started before 7:30--I mean it's dark at 5:00!!  At least one of the nights that would be super helpful!

And nothing says Christmas like a garbage truck in the Madison parade--notice how clean it is though!

 Our favorite part

We went to the Nutcracker with our friends the Jordans and the Fluhrers.  Leigh was excited to watch Meg in it!

Every other year the children's choir at church puts on a program.

Leigh's piano recital

Sam had a Christmas program at school.

He worked very hard on his part--that's a lot of "s's" for a boy that needs speech for his s sound!

 His favorite Christmas carol!

Sam and Mrs. Brown

Sam, Ben, and Edward

We had a live nativity at church for the children's Sunday School classes.

Christmas parties at school

 I was in charge of Sara Beth's party and that meant in charge of games--we played some fun Minute to Win It Games!

SB had a really fun gymnastics team Christmas party!  Sam planned all day what he wanted to do!

 The kiddos had fun with the Goldman's decorating gingerbread houses in their pjs!

What a treat to be invited into Grammy Windham's Candyland!

So... my friend, Shirley Windham, has always talked about snowball fights with marshmallows.  I picked up some at Kroger and kept them in my car for just the right time.  Well....I didn't take into account the wet weather.  Note to self:  Don't ever do marshmallows when it's rainy outside because...

this happens!!

Daddy was a hero and put together lots of legos!

 And took the kids to see The Force Awakens. I will never believe that he dressed up with them!  He hates dressing up!  I hope they will always remember that!

We took advantage of a beautiful day and the Belahaven students being on break and spent some time on the campus.

We didn't get as much time as we wanted to look at Christmas lights due to all the rain, however, we did manage to go once or twice (even if it was after Christmas)!

3 Christmases

We are very fortunate to be able to celebrate Christmas 3 times--at our house and with both of our families.  This year could not have turned out any smoother--and we are very thankful!  First, we started out at the Hensons.

Sam showing off his new soccer stuff with the "control move."   

All the girl cousins

 Next up...the McDaniels

Leigh and Millie Ruth accidentally matched!

game time

My May and Bo Bo and their 7 soon to be 8!!!!

The theme at their house was big!  Sam loved his Death Star beanbag.

Zeb opening the only gift he asked for--a waffle iron!

 Sam made me a very special candle at school!  He carefully placed it under My May's tree so it could be a surprise for me!  Love this thoughtful boy!  (And this is the only Christmas picture I have of me from the entire week!)

We had a lovely Christmas Eve service at church and came home to eat jambalaya and make Santa some cookies.  Zeb's parents came home after church with us!  They also stayed and helped wrap presents!  I won't even tell you what time we were in bed on Christmas Eve because it will make everyone jealous!

I forgot until we got home from church just how anxious Sam gets about going to bed on Christmas Eve.  It was this same way last year.  He is ready for bed by 6:00.  Thanks to modern technology we were able to show him that Santa was in South America--didn't help much!

Christmas morning

 Leigh has worn this scarf every day since Christmas!  She is not going to like having to wear a uniform tomorrow!

 After a fun morning of just the 5 of us, we had some both sets of our parents and a friend over for brunch.  We hung out the rest of the day playing games and playing with new toys.   That evening my parents, grandmother, and another friend came over for a nontraditional steak and shrimp dinner!  

My dad and Sara Beth got into a really long chess game!

And the next day we I crashed!  We are very thankful for such a wonderful Christmas, but we are most thankful for the Reason we celebrate Christmas.