Wrapping up December!

We had a really good Christmas, but I don't think I could be any more ready to bid a year goodbye than 2012.  I hope to begin blogging much more regularly in 2013 as well!  Here's to a new year!

 

 

Reindeer

This was the view out our front window yesterday morning.  Apparently the snow brought the deer in looking for food.  The kids were pretty convinced they belong to Santa and were just scoping out the area.  I guess you never really know.

Making Ornaments

 For something fun to do this year we decided to try salt dough ornaments.  It was a hit with all 5 kids and I was thrilled at just how easy it really was.

 It will be fun to have these in the future.  We just need to get some ribbon and they will be going on the tree!

Cold Snap

As much as we enjoyed the cold snap, the wildlife didn't fare so well.  This owl that lived in the pine tree in our front yard didn't make it.  It was unable to roost and froze to death.  What a beautiful bird.  This made me and the kids very sad.  It was even sadder later that night when its mate came back.  Darn weather!

Finally Snow!

It just isn't Christmastime without snow in Colorado.  Finally this last weekend we got ours.  We only got about six inches, but combined with the below freezing temps it lasted and entertained the kids for over two whole days.

In the end, they had this snow woman to show for all of their efforts.  I can't believe how big they are getting that they do these things on their own now.  Time flies.

Crazy Hair

The three little girls are doing the Awana program this year as our church no longer offers a Wednesday night program for this age group.  They were nervous about it at first, but are having a wonderful time.  Last Wednesday night was crazy hair night, so we went all out.  They were great sports and thought the crazier the better.  Fun stuff!

 

 

 

Pool Time

 This year we are doing somehting new with our homeschool schedule.  Instead of taking little breaks throughout the year, we are taking larger chunks at a time.  For the holidays we are taking a total of 6 weeks off.  We are having no trouble staying busy.

One night for fun, I took the kids swimming.  It's funny how swimming when it's cold outside is even more fun sometimes.  I had to run from Boo when she threatened to give me a big, wet, hug!

Parade of Lights

It just so happened that the parade of lights fell on the same night as the tour, so after our carriage ride we just headed on over.  It was warm, which made it nice because it was longer than normal.  We got there a little early so we had good seats too.

 Buster was mesmorized the whole time.  He waved at all the floats and sat very contentedly on his Daddy's lap.  He particularly enjoyed the people handing out candy.

The whole crew had a really great time, and afterwards we headed to Wendy's for our annual "after the parade dinner."  I love having traditions.

Something New

 The older two girls are members in a local Girls Club and one of their missions this year was a funraiser for the local Pregnancy Center.  They sang Christmas Carols and handed out bells at a tour of a historical mansion here in town.  They really had a lot of fun, and it was neat to do something new.

Once again, it was unseasonably warm that day, but we dressed festive to enhance the mood.

 Since the older girls were participating we decided to take the whole family to the tour.

 I think they enjoyed the horse drawn carriage ride through town the most.  It really was a beautiful carriage.

 

Afterwards we were treated to cookids and hot chocolate around a fire pit.  It was a wonderful to get into the spirit.