Christmas Preparation

Years ago when I had two children who were both still in diapers Christmas was easy.  I remember Michael's sister-in-law asking us in November to get December's caroling on the calendar.  She said their schedule got crazy in December and she needed to get it planned.  I couldn't understand why she was so busy.  She only had one kid more than me.  What I didn't realize in my naivete is her kids are nearly a decade ahead of mine.  It's not the quantity of kids that matter, it's the age.  I finally learned that this year.

It started pretty calmly.  We dug out the Christmas decorations on December 1st and decorated the house.

The next day we went to the Capitol Building for the annual tree lighting.  The kids got free books, toothbrushes, cookies, hot cocoa and of course, candy. 

The next big event this month was a homeschool concert and dance show.  But before you perform you have to practice, and practice, and practice again.

 We then performed our numbers at an assisted living facility.  Grace and Sam rocked holding the signs.

Before long they became bored during the performance, but there was a bunny in the backyard (top right) to look at.  I'm not sure why there was a bunny but I was very thankful they found something to occupy themselves.

I didn't get any good pictures of the dances, just this one of Ethan swinging his partner.  I'm sure we'll have more pictures after their concert for the families, coming up this week.

We also couldn't let the season pass without decorating gingerbread houses.  Katie (Michael's sister) and Chris (Katie's boyfriend) came over to decorate with us.  We separated into teams and started building.  Katie really wanted to be on a team with a little one, so Michael and I happily let our guests team up with the littles.

 Chris and Sam's finished house.

 Ethan and Libby were happy to work together and were awfully proud of their tall, tall Christmas tree.

 Katie and Grace's creation.  Grace really did like her house; she was just being goofy.

 Mine and Michael's house.  The picture was taken by a short kid, hence the weird angle.

The next day we had a ward Christmas party.  Sam sat on Santa's lap but wasn't sure why he was there.  He did get candy out of the deal, though!  Just what we need, more candy.

The kids sang at the Christmas party as well.

We've made it barely halfway through December and I'm exhausted.  I apologize profusely for thinking my sis-in-law was being dramatic about their Christmas schedule.  It is crazy and if you want me to do anything in December then you had better let me know about it in October; our schedule fills up fast!