Snowman

After the Moore Christmas party we headed back to Kris's parents to help with the post party clean up. While we were all working inside the kids were having fun playing in the snow. They all worked together to build a couple of snowmen. They made a boy and a girl, the girl is the one holding the umbrella.

Moore Christmas Party

The Saturday before Christmas was the annual Moore Christmas party. Our side (the Benson family) was in charge of it this year. We started out with breakfast, then played a clue type game- Who stole Santa? The game was tons of fun. It was played just like clue trying to figure out which elf took santa, using what weapon and from what location.

After we found Santa he came and read the story the night before Christmas and then we finished off the party with everyone getting to sit on Santa's lap. He was a really good sport. He was great with all of my kids and they all talked to him without a problem. Harvey started to cry before we even got too close to him but I sat him on his lap anyway.  After all the kids had their turn the grandkids all sat on his lap/crowded around for their picture. Kris's cousin Linda was trying to get a picture using her selfie stick. After a few failed attampts Santa said, "Well I know I'm not giving out any of these for Christmas."

School Christmas Sing

The school always does a school Christmas sing each year before Christmas break. Each grade learns two songs and then performs it for the rest of the school. Last year parents were not invited but this year they did two assemblies specifically for parents. I love to be able to go watch my kids.

They each have their own personality. Addie really looks forward to having us there and searches until finally finding where we are at. They sang; Sleigh Ride and When Christmas Comes to Town.

 Demzi is embarrassed by the whole thing. She hates to think that anyone is watching and/or listening to her sing (even though we have explained many times that when you are in a big group  no one hears just you). They sang: It's a Marshmallow World and Listen to the Jingles

Liam didn't get really excited one way or the other, he kind of seemed bored with the whole thing, but he did actually sing each song. They sang; Hot Cup of Cocoa and Frosty the Snowman.

Tada!

Our house really lacks storage. A few years ago we decided that at some point we needed something to eliminate all the clutter from storing things in our upstairs linen closet and random Rubbermaid bins.

We shopped around for what we wanted but then decided to get what we want we (Kris) would just need to build it. So, we drew up plans and then we just kind of left it until we had the time and money to start working on it.  Kris started this in August right after school started. With only weekends to work on it, it took longer than he anticipated. Finally the week of Thanksgiving it was all built and assembled in our family room. I'm super proud of how it turned out. Kris does amazing work!

Liam and Tad's Birthday With Bensons

It seems like my kids get completely spoiled for their birthday. They love being able to have parties with both sides of the family. When we did our normal family night in December we had a little party with the Bensons. My kids were spoiled once again. They loved everything they got. 

This year they asked for a ninja turtle cake. Tad has been really into ninja turtles lately. As I was trying to come up with ideas of how to make a cake look like a ninja turtle he said, "No, no, no. A green cake, with a ninja turtle on it that I can play with." Seriously the easiest cake that I have ever decorated.

Happy birthday boys!

Christmas Choir Concert

The week before Christmas break was the school choir concerts. Addie has loved choir thus far and was really excited for the performances. They did an evening concert, a school assembly and one at the assisted living center down the street.  

They started out walking in to the song "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" while holding candles. Then sang with their candles in the dark. 

I had volunteered to help with the piano, so I was able to go to all of the concerts and many of the rehearsals. I was impressed to see how hard they worked and how well it came together. They sang; Christmas Comes Once a Year, Jubilate Deo, Il Est Nee, Pat a Pan, Down Down the Chimney, Cuncti Semus, and Carol of the Bells. I think Addie's favorite was Carol of the Bells and Pat a Pan.

Liam's Birthday with Thompsons

The first Sunday of December we had a combined birthday for Liam and Caellum. We did a birthday dinner and then the boys each picked their birthday treat. Liam picked lemon bars and Caellum picked brownies. Everyone was super nice, Liam got some fun stuff. 

Happy Birthday Liam

I can't believe Liam is six already. We started out his birthday with the typical breakfast cake. He was super excited and got really silly blowing out the candles.

 Then the day kind of went as usual. He went to school came home and played then we had his birthday dinner. My kids get to pick what they want on their birthday. He had told me earlier in the week he wanted tuna patties for dinner but changed his mind that morning to Chinese Noodles (luckily I already had the stuff for that).

Then it was time for presents.

 He got a skateboard.

The problem with December birthdays is we don't have anywhere to test this out since it is still so cold, so he was able to ride around the house. It'll take some practice but he is slowly getting the hang of it.

Happy birthday Liam!