December so far...

We've had so much fun so far in December. We've started our Advent calendars, made our way through another Nutcracker performance, had a milestone birthday celebration for Worth, celebrated Christmas at church and school, and finally got to see Santa. The past two weeks have zoomed by, and now it's time to hunker down for Christmas preparations.

The 1st of December marks the opening of the chocolate Advent calendars. The kids can barely contain themselves getting to their candy. 

This year, the 1st of December also included a Parent-Child golf tournament. The kids did great according to Worth. Mack even got 3rd place - only being beat by an 11 and 12 year old who play golf competitively. Emma had the longest drive in the competition. They had such a good time being with their daddy on the golf course. (Ellie had Nutcracker rehearsal that afternoon.)

Last week, Mack's class had a field trip to a local outdoor living store to see Santa. They had cookies and hot cocoa and Santa read them a story. 

Their class elf even packed himself in a jar the night before to make the trip with the kids. 

Sweet group. 

This year we had a new elf join the family. She was promptly named "Pink."  She has been wreaking havoc on my house with her pal "Red." 

These girls were ready for their Nutcracker roles this year! Emma was a toy soldier and Ellie a polichinelle. 

Emma did so good! 

This video was from dress rehearsal so excuse the people walking in front of me and the shaky video.

Ellie's group was so excited to perform this year. They were all practicing backstage. 

Ellie did great escaping from underneath Mother Ginger's skirt. 

Performance 2 - Mack was able to come and watch. He enjoyed it for the first  couple of dances then he was over it.

Flowers from the grandparents are always something they look forward to. 

Worth had a BIG birthday this past Sunday. #40

He had been in Atlanta for the weekend watching the Dawgs lose to LSU in the SEC Championship. All he wanted to do for his birthday was go eat Mexican, so that's what we did. 

He didn't want cake this year either. His request was for Blue Bell Ice Cream of any kind. 

Our next celebration was the K-kids Christmas concert at church. Mack collided with another kid on the playground just before the concert. He had a nice egg to show off on stage. 

He didn't do any arm motions, but he did sing. 

Ellie read scripture and did so well! She is singing in this picture. 

 Emma sang a duet this year with another child:

Santa came to our neighborhood today. All 3 kids had minimal interest in seeing him. They were all scared. Mack was the only one that shared what he wanted for Christmas. The girls wouldn't even talk. 

I did make them pose up for a picture though, and I'm glad I did it. 

5th Day Farms was there this year with some animals to pet. 

Ellie loved the baby goats and promptly asked for one for Christmas. 

The Alpaca was a little anxious around all the kids, but Ellie said he was really soft. 

Emma hesitated for a long time before she would get in the "cage" with the animals. She finally got in, but stayed very clear of the animals.