Let December Begin!

Getting back into the swing of things when we got back from our Arizona Thanksgiving was a bit tough, especially with Christmas on its way but taking forever to come (according to Edith), but we managed. There's always a lot going on during the first few weeks of December leading up to Christmas break, too, which helps (if you're not 3). Let's take a look at how we spent the first part of December leading up to Christmas (you know, the part that drags…).

Trying to make our everyday errands a little more fun helps take some of the drudgery out of it all. Edith and I don't seem to have much problem being silly together. 

Seriously so unimpressed that I was taking her photo while she was chewing. Ha!

Oh, well. She got over it.

What a cute goof. I love her.

We were all super excited to put up the Christmas decorations (which I love), but which made the wait harder for Edith. Sorry, kid, it's all about the anticipation and tradition, not about the actual day. We're helping build your character!

Pen's Holiday dance concert was that first weekend we were back. I think she was still recovering from the excesses of Thanksgiving (both staying up late and eating a ton), but she did great. It's always a pleasure to see her dance. She's the back on the left...

We brought home a big box of hand-me-downs from from Arizona. Edith is always so excited to see what her cousin has given her and wants to wear it all right away. That's why she ended up going to the library looking like this:

I tried to get her to change, telling her that she'd be cold, but she insisted she'd be fine. And, of course, the library ended up being overly warm inside, so I was gifted an I-told-you-so look and she was perfectly dressed while the rest of us roasted in what we were wearing. Ha! She looked so adorable, though, and when a cute college boy walked by her and gave her a smile and a wink I think it made her day. You should have seen her blush. 

The next day, Rophone came home from work with some gorgeous flowers for me. It's so nice to be loved.

The weather was unusually warm throughout the first part of December. So weird. It didn't feel right to have it be so warm, but it allowed us to head out on another tricycle ride. You can tell that Edith is a little less enthusiastic about it than she used to be (she's ready to move on to a balance bike, for sure). It wasn't really shorts weather, but if there isn't snow on the ground Big will tell you he's hot in anything else so, whatever. 

I was happy that Bud and I were able to spend some quality time, just the two of us, when he finished up at the orthodontist more quickly than Ginger. We don't get to be alone together very often, so it was great. Such a good kid, my Bud. I sure do love him.

On the 12th, we were able to attend Bud's very first choir concert and it was great. Choir isn't Bud's favorite thing, but we're happy he gave it a go. He never would have known it's not his thing if he hadn't tried it. Now we know he'd just rather be in a band. The choir was so good, though. The director does a fantastic job and the concert is always the perfect not-too-short, not-too-long length. No prolonged misery here (hooray!).

The next night we had dinner and a white elephant exchange with some friends. It was so much fun and we scored this awesome wig:

I really can't decide who wore it better. :)

The next week it was back to making the everyday stuff a little more exciting for a few days before the pre-break Christmas parties and performances. 

The Thursday of the last week of school, Edith and I got to go to BOTH Christmas programs again because we're lucky enough to have a kid in both the upper and lower grades. It's fun, but I loved it last year when we only had to go to one. 

I helped out at Bud's class party (brought pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and read books) the morning that school let out for break, and then they were freeeeee! All of us were free for two whole weeks. Yessss!