Christmas happenings

We have been busy with Christmas around here.  Last year we spent our whole December in bedrooms due to the construction in our house.  This year we have been excited to actually pull out Christmas decorations and spread out a bit.

Bailey had his orchestra concert Thursday night.  They did pretty well.  Luckily we got there early.  It was packed.

 

Porter sang at the city lighting at the park Friday night.  All my 1st graders have participated in this over the years.  One year it was snowing, another year it was raining, but this year wasn't so bad.  Santa showed up on the fire truck at the end and we enjoyed donuts and hot chocolate.  I'm pretty sure Santa was the real thing.  He sure looked it.

 I have been busy wrapping empty boxes this week.....yes you read that right.  Why empty boxes?  The Relief Society is over the Christmas party tonight and we are decorating the gym with many wrapped gifts.  I had them all stacked nicely in a corner ready to take them to the church, but my kids are having way too much fun with them.  I know you can't see it, but Porter is buried under all the gifts in the middle.  It's just too fun being a kid.

Every year I have bought those chocolate advent calendars at the grocery store.  My kids loved them and I have childhood memories of them too.  I saw them at Macey's one day and I thought I would pick those up a little closer to Dec. 1st.  When I went back to get them they were gone.  I couldn't find them anywhere.  That is when I ran into a blog that had used stockings for and advent calendar.  It was super cute and handmade.  I knew I didn't have time to hand make the stockings, but could improvise.  Love the Dollar Store!!  Yes I started a week late, but better late than never.  I stuffed my stockings with treats and a scripture.  I just hung it up and recognize it needs garland on the top and maybe lights, but it is a start.  I still plan on making the stockings, but that gives me a year to find old sweaters to use for them.