{Christmas Countdown}

Can't believe there is only one full day left before Christmas Eve.  No matter how prepared and organized I try to be, it always seems rushed at the end trying to get everything in.  After major house cleaning today, I still have a pile of presents to wrap, food to buy, and a couple errands to run.  But hopefully after today, it will be time to relax and enjoy the magic that Christmas brings. We can't wait!

Also on my to-do list today was to get all our pre-Christmas festivities posted.  Here is what we have been up to:

Lunch date with Addy to get pretty nails for the holidays.

 She cashed in her birthday coupon and we had so much fun.

Carson's Choir Concert.

Rylan playing endlessly with this musical ornament that my mom sent.

Winter dance piece for parents.

The Nutcracker

Addy was the only one who wanted to go this year with me.

And we joined up with our same group including BFF cousin, Paige.

I love this local performance where you can sit close to the stage and take pictures with the dancers afterwards.  This girl, the 'Dew Drop', was my favorite!  The entire company was very talented!

Making and packaging up 'Hot Chocolate' gifts for neighbors.

Painting Ornaments

Gingerbread houses.  Can I tell you how much I love the ones from Costco where you pull the house, completely built, right out of the box?  And the icing is already made and in its own bag with a tip?    So much easier, especially when I have 3 builders now.

And last, but not least, seeing the one and only Santa Claus!  The kids were terrific and I consider it our own little Christmas miracle that I got 4 kids up early and dressed, hair curled and combed, out the door, and into the mall on Dec 21st. Because we were early, we only waited in line for 30 minutes, and ended up with this shot of them all happy.  Even with Miles not smiling, we are just happy he isn't crying!  Yay for a non-stressful trip to see Santa. 

I love the build up and excitement before Christmas more than the actual day. I am always sad to see it draw near and then vanish so quickly. We are savoring these last few days of Christmas fun before we are buried in wrapping paper, cardboard, and toys that need batteries and assembly. 

 But I also can't wait for those smiling faces on Christmas morning too. 

Merry Christmas to all!