Leading up to Christmas

Once the kids get out for Christmas break the anticipation gets pretty intense around here.  Every day I get asked, "how many more days till Chrismtas?"  Mom and Dad got here the Friday before and were able to enjoy some of that anticipation with us.  We got to bake with Grandma and take them to see the lights and there was plenty of just cuddling on the couch time.

We started off Christmas break with baking some sugar cookies for Santa.

I'm pretty sure she's a natural.  I've trained her well.

That's a lot of hands in the kitchen.

Emmy LOVES her Grandma! 

Emmy working and Tyson is sampling the goods.

Cathy (our sweet neighbor across the street) made each one of the kids a blanket for Christmas.  Em got a beautiful princess quilt and Tyson got his own super soft OU blanket.

After our delicious Christmas Eve meal we took everyone down to Chesapeake to see the lights and also did a little driving around checking out the lights around Edmond.  There is nothing to get you in the holiday spirit like squeezing four people in the back seat of a truck that really only seats three and driving all over town.

The lighted trees at Chesapeake are absolutely gorgeous!

 After we got home  everyone was chilled so we made hot chocolate.  EXCEPT for Grandpa and his clone.  These two helped themselves to mugs of Peppermint Ice cream and topped them off with sugar cookies.  Just look at the concentration.

 Have a little hot chocolate with your whipped cream honey.

 Next order of business was to sprinkle reindeer food all over the yard so Santa wouldn't miss our house.  The kids bundled up in their robes and snow boots to take care of that daunting task.

Adequate coverage is the key.

The last thing to do before bed was the start of a new tradition.  Tyson wanted to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to all of us.  And he did not disappoint.  It was so sweet and special.

Merry Christmas and to all a good night!