The Joys of 2nd grade

div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Sometimes I have to remind myself that Colin is only 7.  It's weird how you have to be diligent about still doing young things for the youngest kid in the family.  Especially for Colin, who is happy as a clam to go along with whatever we're doing for Alison or Eli.  He is also the least demanding of the 3 and the first to be playing happily outside by himself.

Merry Christmas!

We had another wonderful Christmas.  No one could sleep, so we were up, opening stockings by 6:20.  Ben has always had the tradition of putting a stuffed animal in the kids stockings, but the stakes have risen, and now he tries to see how big of a stuffed animal he can shove in.  The kids think it's hilarious to find their stocking with a giant animal head sticking out.

This year, Colin got a lion. 

Alison got Eli this Fortnite doll so he could play Barbies with her.

Fortnite was the theme for Eli this year.

Alison's theme was Our Generation Dolls.

Colin's theme was sports.

This year seemed extra sweet.  The kids were just SO excited to receive each gift and loved everything.  After each gift, Eli would say a sweet 'thank you' and give a hug.
After tea pastries, strata and coffee, it was time to play.


Eli has wanted this play dough dentist set for a long time and it was the first thing he wanted to play with.  It was a good distraction for him while Colin put together his Lego set all by himself.

 

Ben assembled the new basketball goal and the boys alternated between shooting hoops, skateboarding and playing soccer.

My favorite thing may have been seeing Ben skateboard and teaching Colin (who didn't want me to video).

One of Alison's favorite gift was a bow making kit.  She was quick to get out to her craft station and start creating.

Using her doll as a model:

 

I was super careful with the zwiebach this time and it was my best batch ever...had to document it because my Thanksgiving batch was a fail.

 

For dinner, we had ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, zwiebach and Christmas brussel sprouts (they were delicious) and cheesecake for dessert.

It took me way too long to realize Eli is sticking out his tongue in this picture. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve morning, Alison and I went on a little date.  We picked up some Starbucks tea and some last minute groceries from Sprouts.

(The boys were also supposed to be on a date, but Colin got carsick and they had to reschedule)

Ben and Alison made peppermint ice cream.  It was delicious!

For dinner, we had tamales, bean dip and Christmas margaritas. 

My parents sent sacks, so the kids did their pieces for them.

Alison played the piano.

Eli built a Lego city.

And Colin played the piano.

The sacks were a hit, mom and dad!  Their favorites were the squish balls and the slinkys!

This and that

So many cookies have been happening!

Alison and Lily baked some Christmas sugar cookies and sold them on the corner of our street.  They did an incredible job and people were asking when they would be back :)

Then Alison and I spent an afternoon making a zillion cookies.  She had to take some to her language class (they were going to eat treats and read Christmas poems) and I had to bake for a cookie exchange.  By the end of this day I was ready to never see a cookie again.

 

 We were supposed to go to a homeschool gingerbread making party, but Colin wasn't feeling great, so we stayed home and made our own.

 

 I'm thinking after this Christmas, we'll be able to downsize even more toys because it is all about the Legos now.  Eli built this city this week :)

School Lately

 We are thoroughly enjoying this Christmas season.  Considering last year our house was in boxes and it was a miracle to just find dishes to eat off of.

One day, I made puppy chow and brewed some tea; we listened to Christmas music while doing school by the tree.

 Our local library is INCREDIBLE and we have been saying for the last year that we should do school there one day.  It finally happened and we will most definitely be doing it again!  I loved that the kids could go explore books while they were waiting their turn for instruction or help.

Somehow grading grammar happened by the fireplace...on top of gymnastics mat with a puppy trying to get some love and attention.

Christmas festivities

I asked the kids what they wanted to do this Christmas season and all they said was make cookies.  So we have been making a lot of cookies!

First up was a simple kit from Trader Joe's.  We did a kit similar this year and it was a hit, but this year the frosting had a weird color and they didn't taste very good.

Maya resumed her position under Colin's seat, just waiting until he needs her to clean him up.

 

In between baking, the kids really wanted to celebrate being in California for a year.  So we went to Yogurtland for a little treat.

 

I told the kids how proud I was of them and Colin asked why.  I said because moving is hard and they have handled it so well that they've asked to celebrate (instead of pout).  Colin said, "It's not hard for me...it's easy!"  Oh to be Colin.  I'm still proud of him.

Alison and I were invited to a lady's tea at a local church.  They made it such a special day for the young girls and Alison loved it.

 We are so thankful for Lily!

 

 Our cookie theme continued and Ben spoiled us with molasses cookies and homemade eggnog. 

I can't remember the last time we made real gingerbread cookies to decorate, but it was even more fun now that the kids are old enough to help bake them.

We invited the Bradley's to come over and decorate with us.