What Santa Brought

The kids opened their Christmas presents from Santa when we got back from our trip to California. They found all sorts of goodies under the tree. This year Madison was really into it. She learned the art of unwrapping and found all her presents really fast. Thanks in part to Santa for wrapping it in Dora the explorer paper. ha! The big gifts had already been opened before we left for our vacation. They just had a lot of little things yet to open and enjoy the rest of their Winter break. All were happy with their new things.

The Christmas Kiddies!

Guess which one is Jared's stocking?







Madison received her Little Tykes Princess Coupe Car. My other two had one when they were little and loved it. I knew she would have to have one to. I love how it comes in pink now.

First Snow

Madison was way to small last year to remember the snow. This year she's trying to figure out what it is. It's been in the single digits this week and way to cold for the kids to actually play in it. I did however let her go outside for a couple of minutes to touch the ice. She had the weirdest look on her face. It was cute. (I didn't have her all bundled up like I should because she was just outside to touch the snow, not play just in case your wondering :)

Here is her first snow pic's.







The yard looks pretty covered in white sparkles. This is Maddie's tiny playhouse that sits covered in snow right now.



Our driveway....



The road to our house....



All covered in a blanket of fresh white powder. So pretty, but also soooo cold! We are staying busy indoors for now. :)

Signs of Christmas

You know it's almost Christmas at our house when you start seeing....

Our Christmas Stocking hanging on the fireplace,



Christmas wrapping paper ready to go,



Craft projects. This year we are painting our very own Christmas village.



Jared wanted this snowflake bead kit he saw in his book order from school. I didn't think he would want something like this, but I ordered it anyways. He's been making the prettiest Christmas ornaments. You just wouldn't believe a nine year old boy is making them. ha!



I've got a few presents for family ready to go. My shopping is almost done. That's such a good feeling.



Thats what it looks like here. It's such a fun time of year.

Making Christmas Cookies

We LOVE decorating sugar cookies at Christmas time! It's been cold around here so what better way to warm up then baking. All the kids helped me prepare this batch. They all come running when it involves sugar! ha! Even though the cookies may not be the best looking, they were so yummy. Making memories is what it's all about

Christmas in the Kitchen

It's starting to look more like Christmas around here. (I'm going out of town for Thanksgiving dinner so I don't have to worry about cooking at my house.) I can start to begin making candy treats for family/friends. It's never to early since my days ahead are jam packed full of other holiday activities, works and school. Any chance I can get to get a jump on my homemade gifts saves me a lot of stress.

Treat bags of muddy buddy mix. They are great anytime of the year, but we made them for Christmas this time.



Pretzel Hugs ready to be a gift for someone.



In the candy dish, more holiday favorites.



And if the sugar treats don't keep up my energy, a Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks will! Yum!



What homemade treats do you make around the holidays?