Saturday, December 22, 2012

December Happenings

December has been such a busy month! We have had a lot going on in the Smorstad family.  Now, we are finally taking the time to breathe before Christmas arrives.... and it will be here so soon! 

The Christmas Cupcake Musical
Ivy was in her 1st Christmas program at church.  She was an angel and as a support to her great friend, Kennedy, she sang a solo in front of everyone!  Tula loved the performance and attempted to sing along with the big kids.  It won't be long until she gets to be part of the show too!

Santa Claus Party
A sweet family friend, and student in my class, hosts a "Santa Claus" party every Christmas.  The kids make crafts, enjoy treats, and then Santa stops in to read the real Christmas story from the Bible.  Then each little one gets a chance to sit with Santa and tell him what they want this year.  Ivy was excited that her friend Addy was their to celebrate!
Ivy even got an early, special present..... "real high heels"!  That is all she has asked for from her birthday to Christmas and after Santa told her he only brings play high heels I decided to earn mom of the year award when I caved to these $11 beauties at Walmart!  Her heart is content!

Gingerbread Houses
Daddy and I spent the day together, shopping and eating, and then it was a special treat to join Ivy to make gingerbread houses in her classroom.  I am thankful to get to be a part of those school moments with my big kindergartner!

Graham and Uncle G
Graham made an impromptu visit!!! YAY!  Greg, Ivy, Tula, and I got to hang out with Chelsea and Graham all afternoon.  We got lots of snuggles with this little man!  We named Greg, Uncle G, and he got to hold Graham for the 1st time ever.... clearly there have been a few baby hogs during the other visits! We can't wait to spend several days together at Christmas.

Cookie Decorating
We decorated Christmas cookies!  Kennedy came over to join Ivy.  The big girls helped with each part of the baking process, then Tula woke up just in time to decorated and taste test!  We definitely have some beautiful, yummy cookies to leave out for Santa!

Date Nights & Fun with Grandparents
This month we got to enjoy a night out for Greg's work Christmas party!  It was good to get dressed up and eat yummy food.... it was even better to be the granddaughters!  Pawpaw came over to hang out with Ivy and Tula and they got to end an evening of fun being put to bed side by side in Mommy and Daddy's bed- such a treat!  They were so sweet we had to take a picture!
Then we got a true date night- dinner and a movie- while Ivy and Tula stayed with Nana and Pops.  The girls made chocolate dipped marshmallows with Nana while Pops snapped pictures.  Clearly, Tula was really enjoying making and tasting!  I was a proud Mom because they even decided to sleep in for Nana.... I know this made everyone happy!

December has been a great month and with Christmas just around the corner it can only get better!