I managed to get all of my Christmas decor up this year (unlike last year) right after Thanksgiving. This can be a huge stumbling block for me some years if I don't feel like I have the time. I really enjoy all of the decorations but some years it's just plain hard to get them all up. I love to have all of my lights on at night but if I'm not home, Brooks doesn't turn a thing on!
Dec 9th was Jaxon's birthday party. He turned seven this year! I can't believe I have a seven year old grandson. He was thrilled with everything he got and we had a great time watching him open his presents along with some help from Bryn and Molly.
On Saturday the 11th of Dec., we celebrated my dad's birthday and had our family Christmas party. My mom and dad had Dexter the magician come. This used to be a tradition with our family years ago when my children were young. It was always so much fun and we really loved it. The kids loved it this year as well. After Dexter we ate our dinner and then had our annual gift game. This year we got two nerf guns, one each! I gave mine to Jaxon. While the adults were opening the gifts, the kids were decorating their personal gingerbread houses. Lynette had put together one (or more) for each of them along an apron for each of them to wear. It was a fantastic idea!
This past week, Kara, Kelsey, Jessica and I had our annual Christmas treat making day. We spent all day making fudge, pumpkin bread, peppermint bark, truffles, licorice caramels, choc covered pretzels, and rice crispy treats. We loaded 27 plates for friends and neighbors. It's exhausting but fun.
Now, with only a week left before Christmas, I just have the gifts to wrap. I'm not as organized as I'd like to be. I wish I could be ready by the first week of December but I just can't seem to get it together that early. I'm just happy that I'm ready now!
We wanted to get a picture of Brooks and I with the grand kids in our Bronco gear. I've ordered Christmas cards but they are taking a while go get here so they will be late getting out.
This picture was taken at Lynette's at the party. My mom and dad with all of their great-grandchildren.
Our treats all done and on plates and in tins. 
Jaxon blowing out his candles on his birthday.
Jax and Bryn after they finished their houses. I can't believe Jax was even willing to wear an apron. Bryn had taken hers off.
Bryn is quite proud of her house. 
Molly even got into decorating.
Jaxon and Brooklyn both thought that Dexter was going to cut Jaxon's finger off.
Molly was at my house the day I decorated. I haven't put the Mickey and Minnie out for many years. When Molly saw them, she insisted on sitting by them to watch TV.
Love the picture of all of you in your Bronco gear.
ReplyDeleteOne request: Next year, could you schedule treat-making day BEFORE the big family party? That way you could bring me a little sampler. :)