Spelling Tuesday

Caleb was on call this year for Christmas, so we weren't able to travel to Bolivar and celebrate with his family- so they brought the fun to us!  As always, when the Lenz's are around, they spoil our kids with loads of attention!  Snuggles all around!  We opened presents, and tried out a new tradition, "The Three Gifts of Christmas".  The grown ups just bought the kids presents like usual (I don't think I could stop them if I wanted to), but the adults drew three names.  The first name you had to make/find a gift for them- $0.  The second name you had to take $5 and do a good deed in their name.  The last name was a $20 gift.  It was awesome!  The exchange was so much more meaningful/fun/creative!  I think this tradition is a keeper!  (Ha, ha!  Doesn't he look like a yard Gnome?)  Grandma made Loralie and Little Baby matching PJ's! I sewed Grandma a new apron!  I was sad to see the ...

Is there anything cuter than kids in pajamas?  These two were all decked out and ready for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve. With matching slippers from Teddy the Elf.  We made a batch of Grinch Cookies.  And Loralie wrote a quick note to Santa.  Dear Santa, I love you.  Loralie, Mom, Dad and Roman  (and I think it says Teddy near the top).  When Caleb came into Roman's room first thing this morning, Roman said "Merry Christmas"!  How did he remember that???  The kids were so excited to see what Santa brought! Loralie got a Merida dress, baby doll furniture, and a Scooter.  Roman got a race car track, a dump truck and a train table.  After  \opening stockings and presents from Mom and Dad, Nee Nee came over, as well as Matt, Becca and Ada.  Yay!  Books from Aunt Niki!  And the big news of the day... Matt and Becca are ENGAGED!  That means a destination...

Let's see... What have we been up to lately?  We took these two ya-hoo's to go see "Frozen".  They loved it! Our elf has been doing some mildly creative stuff but nothing to write home about... We had a pretty epic gingerbread house fail... And the girls made Christmas cookies.  This is me trying not to be a control freak!   We had our first big snow storm last night and Loralie grabbed a baby carrot out of the fridge first thing this morning and declared she wanted to build a snowman but Caleb somehow got her to shovel the driveway instead!  

I went to tuck Loralie into bed tonight and I saw this creation all set up on her bed.  When I asked her what it was, she said it was an elf bed for Teddy the Elf.  She showed me where he could lay down (right behind the baby picture of Loralie) and then she showed me the note that was taped to the front... Allow me to translate: "Elfs are allowed in my room to sleep and their bed and in the morning we can play!" I am loving this age with her!  And I love that I don't have to come up with something creative for Teddy to do tonight!

Loralie's Preschool had their Christmas program today and she did a great job!  Last year she just stood up there and didn't sing at all.  This year we got singing and hand motions, not to mention some enthusiastic jingle bell playing.  She is second row, second from the left.

 We went to Cookies with Santa tonight!  So much FUN!  It was a polar express theme.  Roman enjoyed some cookies while we waited to see the big guy.  "Glasses!"  "Mama has glasses!"  Loralie ran right up to Santa this year and jumped in his lap.  She has been telling us that she wanted to ask him for new underwear, but when she got up there she asked for a tiny toy horse... All of us with Mr. Clause!

North Pole Breakfast!!!!!  The kids were so surprised! Roman got a "big truck" ornament, Loralie got a "My Little Pony." Donuts, crazy straws and fruit, And of course, the return of Teddy the Elf!  Loralie brought Little Baby down to breakfast and introduced her to Teddy.  She said "Teddy, I know you aren't really really real- not like little baby is."  Glad we got that cleared up...

Last night we came home and decorated the whole house for Christmas.  Loralie was so excited she sat down and wrote letters to Santa and Teddy, our elf. "Santa Clause" "Please come see me." "Elf, I am thankful for you" Loralie and Teddy, next to a puddle of water and mud. (???) Loralie and Santa I love that she didn't ask for anything.  So sweet.