It's that time of year sweet Kate - Christmas time! And with that comes lots and lots of activities. You are still a little young to enjoy all of them, or really know what's going on, but you have had some fun times so far! To start the month of December off right, you went with Mimi and Sister to Mimi's Christmas parade in Munford. Mommy went on a girl's trip with Aunt Steph and Miss Leigh, so Mimi was in charge of you two for the weekend! She got all the grandkids over before the parade to take some pictures and then everyone walked to the parade. She said you were cute as ever with your waving abilities to EVERY float! You just kept waving and waving and waving, happy as a clam.
On Sunday, Mimi brought you home and you helped Daddy built a gingerbread house.
Now, I will just go ahead and tell you this was your first, and probably your last gingerbread house you will help make, at least with Mommy and Daddy. Why you ask? Here's why...
Yep, that's right, it was a complete disaster! It would look like it was going to stick, them BAM, it would fall to the ground. Oh well, it was fun, or at least funny to watch!
On Monday, we went to your sister's dance recital. You thought she did fantastic and were so enthusiastic that Mimi had to take you to the back so other people could hear the show :)
Before the recital, we took a few pictures and you were Hilarious!! Yep, with a capital "h"! We sat you on the bench and you immediately said "Cheeeeeeeese"!
Then I told you sister to laugh, and, well, you thought her laughing was pretty funny!
And then you showed us your belly button!
Silly girl!! Later that day, Mommy and Sister got a care package together for a US soldier in Afghanistan (that was our advent calendar activity) but we let you stay with Mimi and sleep. It may be a couple of years before that one takes any effect on you. And on Tuesday, our activity wasn't exactly exciting for you, as you can't really write, nor do you really have a wish list for Santa. The activity was 'write a letter to Santa'... BUT, Mommy helped you out with the big words, and you were able to personalize it.
And then there was Wednesday's activity, wrap Christmas presents, that you just didn't participate in at all, as we scheduled it during your nap time. I told you, more fun next year, or maybe even the next year. Right now you just enjoying climbing anything you can get to, or carrying a baby doll around, or Mommy carrying you around :) And, well, Thursday's wasn't too enjoyable either, decorate for the Polar Express Christmas Slumber party. But that's not to say that you didn't have fun those days, just not doing the Christmas activity. We went to gymnastics and you had tons of fun there. You even did the swing this time. Coach Christy was very proud of you, as was Mommy. You also LOVE being chased on the running trampoline and when you get to the end you turn around very quickly and take off running the other way, laughing the whole time! Thursday night, Daddy took you to Chick-fil-a for dinner because Mommy had book club at our house. He sent me a text asking "Is it okay if she climbs up in this playground, because she is?" and my response was "you don't have a choice, now do you."!! You climb on EVERYTHING!
On Friday we did yet another activity while you were taking your nap (painted fingernails and toenails for the Christmas party on Saturday). Speaking of napping, we've been converting you to a 12:30/1:00 napper because you seem to sleep longer. The problem is by 11:30 you are ready to go to bed and I have to do lots of things to keep you occupied and not fall asleep. Also, we pick your sister up at school at 1:00, so I try to get you to stay up until we pick her up then rush home to get you to your much needed nap. So far, we've done really well, and like I said, you sleep for at least 2 1/2 hours, sometimes 3, but it's a struggle to get to 1:00 for sure!! On Friday, I had you in the high chair while I was getting lunch ready. I had the Christmas tree lights and music on and you really liked watching the lights blink to the music. I looked up and noticed it relaxed you just a little too much...
Notice the toothbrush??? Yeah, that's your new favorite toy. We've carried that everywhere you go, to the gym, to gymnastics, to pick up Sister, everywhere. You are getting like 10 teeth in (okay, maybe like 5 but they are your molars so they count for extra!) and I'm thinking you like chewing on it. Nonetheless, if I tempt to take it away, you have a fit.
Finally on Saturday we did a Christmas activity that I'm am positive you enjoyed - our Polar Express Christmas Slumber Party!!! The gang came over and we had loads of fun. The big kids did a few art projects and the mom's decided the you little ones were just a little too little to be involved, although you clearly wanted to...
I'm pretty sure it was the chair you climbed on that was entertaining you, but whatever. You sat there playing with all the markers while the big kids made plates and ornaments. But you definitely did some playing with your cuz and best buddy.
And there was the book exchange. Rather than adding more toys to your already high piled stack of them, each of the little kids brought a book to exchange with the others. You had already found a book and decided you wanted to just chill on the couch while Mommy passed your book around...
No, that's not the book you got. That's the book that comes free in the mail! That's okay though, we eventually read your book and Kipper and Jake loved their books, too!
After books it was dinner time and nothing says Polar Express Christmas Slumber party like a snowman pizza, huh!! So cute, huh!
And after pizza, nothing says Polar Express Christmas Slumber party like dressing you kiddos all in matchy jammies and taking pictures!!! Such cutie pies!!!!
And then the out takes...
And while your sister looks thrilled to be sitting you (please note the sarcasm), she was not and was VERY anxious to finish off the night by watching Polar Express.
You, on the other hand, went to bed. You told me you had no interest in watching a movie and would prefer bedtime instead :) And man alive, bed time you did! You went down at 7 and didn't pop an eye open until after 7:30 that next morning. Of course, you sister was up at 5:45, so that did Mommy no good! That's okay because while you were sleeping, we got a delicious breakfast prepared for you!! Yummy reindeer pancakes and a candy cane on the side!! You devoured it!
After breakfast, everyone played a little bit longer. Man, that table was the best purchase I have made in a long time. Just saying...
Look at Kipper's 2 front teeth!!! He's getting so big! Sooner than later, everyone got their things and headed home. I have to say, it was an AWESOME slumber party and I am positive we will start doing this annually with the gang. SO much fun for everyone.
So, see, your first week of Christmas was fun after all, even if we did most activities while you were napping :)
love you sweet Kate. Can't wait to see what week 2 of Christmas has in store!!
