Advent Part 1

Instead of a traditional advent calendar this year, I made 24 ornaments for the tree with a family activity on each.  The kids race to the tree each morning to see what's in store for that day.  We've done lots of things we normally wouldn't get around to and it's definitely going to be a tradition from here on out!  Here are some highlights from the first half of the month.  We can't wait to see what tomorrow's activity is!

Pinecone bird feeders!

Frankie liked making birdfeeders so much he made two!

Gingerbread houses - oh, what a mess!

Cotton ball snowman

Henry loved painting ornaments!  I don't think we've ever let him paint before!

What a Difference a Year Makes!

For weeks Frankie's been serenading us with songs from his preschool Christmas program.  Although he knew them well at home, we had doubts how brave he'd be in front of 90 parents and grandparents since last year he stared blankly at the crowd, refusing to sing a word!

With Grandma & me seated front and center, he belted the songs as well as any four-year-old there!  We're proud of you, Frankie!


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Away In a Manger . . . Ka-Pow!

It's no secret that Frankie & Henry have a full-blown obsession with "guys". We have an action figure draft each morning to divide them up.

But, a new hero recently joined the team. That's right, fighting the evils of the world alongside Captain America and Spiderman is none other than . . . Baby Jesus! After all, for a man who can raise the dead and heal the lame, Venom is no challenge!

Thankful!

We started Thanksgiving weekend with Dad off work on Wed! He's worked Thanksgiving Day for at least the last three years so it was extra special to spend so much time with him!

Thursday we went to Aunt Gayle's for lunch with Andrea's family . . .
















Then we headed to Wichita for three more days of thankfulness! Time with family, a visit to the zoo, and lots of food . . .