It was a busy day for us! Dylan had his Christmas party at school today. I volunteered to help out, so my dad came over and played with Lexie while we were gone.
I couldn't be any happier with Dylan's school or his teachers. It really is a wonderful place! I'm so happy that we'll get first round registration for Lexie, because we'll be a returning family.
The kids had a great party! They decorated Christmas cookies, made jingle bell wreaths, played pin the ornament on the Christmas Tree, played Garland Limbo, and had a book exchange. They left school with an awesome take home bag filled with the things they made, the treat bags I put together last night with the donations from the parents, a gift bag from their teachers, and a book from the school.
I had fun, too! It was a bit awkward at the first party I volunteered at, but I now enjoy being there, and wish I could be at every party!
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I attempted to finish Christmas shopping today. I got most of what I needed, but still have a few things to pick up. Luckily, the kids shopping has been finished, and that's what I was most worried about. I gave up quickly, today, though. The crowds were awful, the kids were crabby, and it was cold and messy outside. We did manage to find a gift for Dylan's hermit crabs. What on Earth do you buy hermit crabs? Hermit crab cookies, of course! Four stores, two cranky kids, and one lost hair bow later, we were on our way home!
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We went to see Santa tonight!
There is an awesome Santa house in a nearby town, that I grew up going to every year. When I was a teenager, my dad was Santa in that little house. We've been taking our kids there since Dylan was 2 weeks old! It's a great place to see Santa. Best of all, it's free, and you can take as many pictures as you want!
Tonight we got there just as it opened, and were second in line! Lexie and Dylan were so excited to see Santa. Especially Lexie! I was fully expecting that she would cry when she saw Santa, and refuse to sit on his lap, just as she has every year.
As we waited in line, Dylan was all smiles, and Lexie looked a bit nervous.
When the door opened, Dylan skipped into Santa's little house, and launched himself into Santa's lap. He has always been a fan of Santa!
Santa turned and asked Lexie if she wanted to sit on his lap. Lexie nodded, so Grant walked over and sat her right down. And she stayed! She even talked to him! Grant and I almost fell over in shock!
After giving Santa the snowmen that they made for him, Santa got to work asking them if they've been good this year and what they wanted for Christmas. They told him that they were good, and only fought a little bit (after Santa asked). Dylan wants Star Wars guys and Lexie wants Dora.
Santa ended the visit by telling them that he will try his best to bring them what they wanted, but that they should always remember that their family is the best gift of all. Santa's a smart man! He handed them some candy, and sent them on their way.
I swear, the smiles on their faces as they were exiting his house were the biggest I've ever seen!
I was so proud of Lexie. She finally overcame her fear of Santa! As we were walking to our car, she said, "I love Santa!"
We drove a few blocks away to a house that has huge Christmas displays. We go every year after seeing Santa. They work so hard on the displays and managed to raise over $8000 for charity from doing this!
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We came home, had some dinner, and once again, snuggled up on the couch and watched "Claymation Christmas" and "Garfield's Christmas." After the kids were in bed, I managed to finish all of my wrapping! When I finished, I had gift tags sticking to my rear end, paper thrown all about, and numerous paper cuts. But that's okay, because everything I've bought so far is wrapped!
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3 days to go! I'm getting excited!
Totally jealous that you have everything wrapped! I've only managed to wrap things that need to be given early! It's strictly on an emergency basis right now, LOL.
ReplyDeleteLove those photos you got of Lexi SMILING at her Santa experience! I totally expected my kid to either shriek at Santa or clobber him this year. I was royally relieved that he didn't... until he asked Santa for a gun. UGH
Love the Christmas displays - how much fun is that!?!
You have been busy gal! I am glad you enjoyed Dylans class party. It is great that you like his teachers and school!
ReplyDeleteThe visit with Santa looks great! What a cute little Christmas cottage. I love that Santa said the greatest gift at Christmas is your family. What a good message!
Yay Lexie! How great is it that she overcame her fear? neither of my boys are afraid of "people in costume". They love them all.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a nice time at Dylan's party. Looks like he had fun!
Claymation Christmas? As in... The California Raisins??? That's one of our faves!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun and festive night!
ReplyDeleteIt looked like such a fun night visiting Santa! I wish we had something like that around us.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great that the house raises money for charity. It really looks like they go all out! Was that you and Dylan on the TV?!
looks like it was fun. good for lexie for sitting on his lap!
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwwwwww, YAY for Lexie!!! =0)
ReplyDeleteGood for her!
Love all the pictures, and you're right they were BEAMING as they came out of the little house.
I am so getting excited. I love her coat, gosh she is just so darn adorable, they both are!! Not a big fan of that santa though, I like the REAL santa!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun and Lexie did well with Santa:)
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