A Holly Jolly December!

Our Holly Jolly December started with pictures with Santa and writing a Letter to the Ol' guy at the Reunion Meeting House. The kids were matchy, matchy for the 2013 Christmas picture and card. I know I can't get away with it forever so while they are young, and think its fun to dress like their sibling, I'll go with it.

 

Sibling love and a great picture of everyday life.

 Writing down their wish list

 

 A local production of the Nutcracker Ballet provided the opportunity for me and Sugarbean to go on a date. We went with some other mother/daughter friends that live in our neighborhood.

December 11, 2013 brought the arrival of Piper Zimmerman. She is the daughter of our close friends Tom and Jen. Piper has a big sister, Summer, and big brother, Tucker, that play often with our kids. Their sweet addition has been a good way for me to get my new baby lovin'.

 

One Saturday in December we needed to get some last minute shopping finished. Bass Pro Shop was on the list and while there we happened upon all the Christmas activities they offer. One of those being the carousel.

Tree trimming and house decorating took several days to complete. I originally wanted a real and artificial tree in the house. After many hours of assembly, lighting, and decorating the artificial tree and I was happily content with just one tree.





 Doesn't everyone decorate in their underwear?!?!

I'm laughing out loud remembering our trip to the outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Atlanta. Carrington and Grayson were very, very excited on the way there. They were very excited while putting on their ice skates.  





 They were very excited taking pictures.

 They were very excited stepping onto the ice.

 

 And then, the excitement came to an abrupt end for Carrington. Aaron was helping her around and before they made it half way, Aaron fell on top of Carrington and her entire world came crashing down (literally). I did not see the fall, nor was I close by, but I could hear the cries and screams as if I was the one lying on top of her. The girl was devastated, and hurt, and the worst of all...cold and wet. And so, not three minutes into the ice skating adventure and Carrington made the decision that she very much disliked ice skating and never wanted to try again.

 

 Grayson on the other hand had a great time. He didn't fall once and enjoyed the thrill of going fast on skates.

 The Sims and Zimmerman kids pre-Piper

Carrington and Summer

These girls get mistaken for twins when they are together. They are inseparable and never feel like they get enough time with each other even though they go to pre-k together, gymnastics together, and have dinner/play date at least once a week. 



Thanksgiving 2013 and all the trimmings...

The Thanksgiving program at Celebration was all about the Pilgrims and Indians, of course. The Pre-K class played the part of the Indians and the Kindergarten class had the honor of being the Pilgrims. They sang a few songs, recited some lines and gave thanks to God. The program was followed by a mighty "first" feast in Mrs. Sue's classroom, and then home for Thanksgiving break!!!

 

Mighty Indian Babe, Carrington, walking into the auditorium with her class

Mrs. Sue's class took stage right.

Carrington is on the second row, fourth in from the right. I had to sit pretty far back because I was alone with my other two wild Indians. We needed a quick and easy escape if they started to beat on their mouths too loud, which they did!!



There's our Indian girl!

After the program was over, I was able to take a close up.



 

 

 

Thanksgiving morning brought the arrival of our dear elf, Sandy! He didn't show up empty handed and delivered Christmas PJ's made in the North Pole.

Daddy filled the boys in on why a strange looking stuffed guy was sitting in the middle of the kitchen table. Grayson was completely on board this year. Hudson just smiled and went along with the game.



Carrington understands how Thanksgiving works. She is happily watching the Macy's parade while mom slaves away in the kitchen. (Enjoy it now my sweet girl!) 



Lots of play time for the boys.

 (Yikes, Grayson looks like Don Imus. I think he got a haircut that weekend!)

Happy baker with her masterpiece. Pilgrim hats made from cookies and Reece cups!



Can't have a tasty meal without lots of mess!

Hudsie is ready for his first Thanksgiving meal. He was too young last year to eat from the table so he made sure he was "first in line" this year.



Makes my mouth water just looking at the picture!

Ok, I'm ready for turkey day again!!



It's so rare that I'm not behind the camera.

Since it doesn't happen often, and I like both pictures equally, and it's my blog...you get to see basically the same picture, twice!

 

 The morning spent in the kitchen was so worth the amazingly delicious outcome. I enjoy cooking , and like it even more when Aaron is home to keep the kids out from under my feet. So, it was an enjoyable day for me. Our Thanksgiving was spent doing the things we like (eating, playing, watching TV), with the ones we love most, and best of all we got to spend the long weekend at our house with our family of five!

 

Good bye Thanksgiving day...Hello Christmas time!

(Sandy the Elf's gift to C)