Seeing the Big Guy and Going for a Ride…

Today was a busy day!!

Brynn’s school holds a Santa Breakfast each year. The girls have a pancake breakfast, make crafts, and then the Big Guy himself arrives on the fire truck!! It is always fun {and you don’t have to wait in line at the mall all day to see Santa!}

That night we went with our friends {all 23 of us} to Fountain Inn to go on a carriage ride. There was so many of us, we had to split into 2 carriages – boys and girls of course :). The kids had fun looking for all the Grinches that were hide throughout the neighborhoods.

We had dinner and decided to head to a house that was not to far away that had been on the news several times.  The house has over 200,000 lights and displays. 

Two times in one day!!

A Trip to Bethlehem…

I wanted to go to a live nativity this year but was having trouble finding one in our area. When a friend told me she found one, I quickly switched the activity we had planned to this one!!

Brynn was so funny when she read we were going on a trip to Bethlehem. She thought we were REALLY going to Bethlehem. She insisted we pack our bags, wanted to know how long we were staying there, how long it took to fly there, and if the way were going was the way to the airport!

We meet some friends there and we W A I T E D for E V E R to walk through the town of Bethlehem. It was fun going to the different shops, paying our taxes, and finding no room to sleep just like Mary and Joseph.

At the end, we were treated with hot cocoa and cookies.

I was disappointed to hear it was the last year the church would be doing it.

Oops…

It appears I forgot to get a picture of the girls doing Day 8!!

Shame on me!!

The activity for today was making Christmas cards for the shut-ins at our church.

Brynn did most of the cards {she LOVES to craft especially making cards and books}.

A Trip to the Library…

After Brynn got out of school today, we stopped at the library. The girls each picked out a Christmas book. Brynn recently got her very own library card so she is excited to use it when we go.

I told the girls we were also going to something special for someone we didn’t know while we were there. The plan was to pay late fees for 5 people. Due to new privacy policies we were not able to do this. Instead, we left a donation. The librarian said when someone came in to pay their late fee she would take it out of our donation.

When It’s Cold Outside…

make a cup of homemade hot chocolate!!

That’s exactly what we did tonight. It was delicious but I’m not so sure that Addie should have had such a sweet treat right before bed!!

B&N

off to Barnes and Noble to get a new Christmas book.

Brynn has really taken to reading! I am so glad she enjoys to read and I take any chance I can to encourage her.

 

Once we were home, Brynn read both books to Addie:)

Giving Back…

Today we took the girls to Target. We told them they could pick out any toy they wanted and we would buy it. The only catch was that they could not keep it. They would have to give it away.

Brynn understood, Addie not so much. After a few more times of Brandon and I explaining she finally understood. 

Brynn picked out a horse that she wanted to go with her American girl doll. Addie chose a Tiana Barbie from Princess and the Frog {I think it is the only princess Barbie she doesn’t have}.

We let the girls pay then we headed to a drop of for Toys for Tots.

Serving Breakfast…

Our church serves breakfast at Miracle Hill Rescue Mission about once a month. A different Sunday school class usually sponsors each month. We decided to tag along with our friends’ class this month.

I have gone before but we have never gone as a family. {Probably because you have to be there EARLY and well lets face it our family are not morning people!}

The adults typically cook and the kids serve. It really is fun and a great teaching opportunity.

Brandon and Noah making eggs

Addie and Zoe passing out napkins – no job is too small ;)

I told you we aren’t morning people!!

Movie Night…

Brynn was asked to sleep over at a friend’s house during the planning stages of my calendar so I knew she wouldn’t be here for Day 2. I wanted to pick something that wouldn’t matter if she missed.

Movie night it was!

What movie might you ask??

This is one of Brandon’s favorite movies. He and Addie managed to make it to the end. Me…not so much. 

 

Day 1…

Day 1 actually took place on Day 3 due to a family birthday on Day 1 {and the fact that I just finished crafting the countdown today!}

I decided to hang our countdown on the Christmas tree – since we have no mantel and are limited for space at our house.

I explained to the girls about the countdown and they were VERY excited. They wanted to read all the envelopes tonight! After they opened the first envelope they seemed to forget about the others.

It was only appropriate to start with a letter to Santa. This year has been a little hard in deciding what to get the girls for Christmas. Neither one really needs anything and haven’t asked for anything. Brynn’s one request was to go to Africa but I explained to her she was too young to go just yet…that is another story in itself.

They both sat at the table and Brynn read the letter to Addie. She was sure to explain to Addie exactly what to do and not to do.Brynn asked for new earrings and new art stuff. I let Addie fill hers out herself. She asked for a new puppy {a toy one}, a candy cane {not sure where that came from}, and a letter back from Santa.If you zoom in on this picture you can see Addie’s “words” she wrote herself.

Once they were done we stuck the letters in the envelope. Brynn thought our elf, Wendy, could take their letter to Santa tonight – just to make sure he gets it!

A New Tradition…

We are attempting to do an Advent countdown!

I have wanted to do this for several years but I have a tendency to procrastinate {just a tiny bit} and well December sneaks up on me. This year I managed to get it done!! By done I mean – the activities are planned and on the calendar and I made a some what cute countdown {a few days late}.

Let’s see what fun stuff we can get in to and what life lessons my kiddos can learn:)

Making another Attempt…

I have decided that I am going to give the ole blog a go again. I have missed recording all the little things that my girls do. I didn’t realize how much I forget until I went back through things I have blogged about. So here we go!!!

It's Been 5 Years....

Of really great memories!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Can't wait to see what the next five years hold for our family!!

In Need of A Pedi....

Addie will gladly give you one!

This is what I caught her doing last night...Notice how well she covers each toe! OH NO!! there are a few spots on the floor!! Better clean it up!! Mom might be upset!!It seems the Addie didn't like the color of our toilet! Pink is a much better shade!Even with all that, could you really get mad at this sweet little face :)Let me know when you would like for her to come over to give you your pedi!!!

A Little Chat...

Tonight Addie and I were having a little chat about her birthday party (it"s not until August but I was trying to get an idea going).

She told me she wanted a "hincess" party with all pink.

Then I asked her who she wanted to come to her "hincess" party. She told me the boys!

Boys???

I told her boys can't come to a "hincess" party.
She then informed me...
"Umm Hmm....they are my favorite!!!"

OH MY!! Isn't this a little soon to be having boys on the mind!!!

2 seconds later...

Addie says "Boys Drool"

I asked her who told her that.....Ms. Joy!!!

I plan on thanking Ms.Joy the next time I see her :)

A Pedicure and Geography Lesson. . .

I went for a pedicure this weekend and had to take both the girls with me. Crazy...I know!! A 2 year old and a 5 year old....so much for relaxation!!!

The place I went to had a smaller chair for kids so Brynn used her graduation money to get a pedicure. I was a few (5) chairs down from her and couldn't really hear the conversation she was having with the lady doing her pedicure.

A few hours after we left (I had to go to a wedding rehearsal)I was talking to her about the pedicure. She told me the lady was very nice and was asking her questions...how old are you, what's your name???

Then she told me she thought the lady talked a little funny so she asked the lady where she was from. I asked Brynn what the lady told her and she said very matter of fact "Doorknob!"

I was trying my best not to laugh and asked her "Doorknob?? Are you sure??"

She told me yes the lady said she was from Doorknob, but she was hard to understand.

After a couple of minutes Brandon and I finally came to the conclusion that she was from Vietnam. Brynn said " Yeah....that's what she said Vitknob!!"

So apparently there is a new country in the world called Vitknob!!

Ending of a Chapter...

Today Brynn will graduate from preschool. It is hard to believe she is old enough to graduate from anything.

It seems just like yesterday that we walked in to Ms. Nicole's class to start our school career. She was so excited and her mommy...well...I was a little excited too!! She was going to learn new things and make new friends...and give mommy a little bit of a break!On that day I did not think about graduation. I did not think about how fast that day would come.

THE DAY IS HERE!!

Today (4 very short years later) we walk out of Ms. Leigh's class and being a new journey. She again is very excited and her mommy...well...I am not that excited. I have joked that I am not looking forward to it because we will have to get up so early but in fact I am sad that I my little girl is not so little anymore.

I know she is ready for "Big School". She has learned as much as could at preschool, made some great friends, experienced some fabulous teachers, and made awesome memories.

Thanks you Ms. Nicole, Ms. Jennie, and Ms. Leigh for making our preschool years great!!!

Now that I have cried through this post lets hope I making through the actual graduation!

While at the Dinner Table. . .

Ok....
Ok....
I know I have totally neglected my poor little blog and I will be surprised if anyone still stops by to read, but I want to remember what Brynn said at the dinner table tonight.

We were just sitting there eating when Brynn announces she knows ALL her months of the year. I thought WOW Ms. Leigh is on the ball!! So I tell her "Ok B let's hear it."

She starts off in her all so confident voice....
Sanctuary
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December!

I said (trying not to laugh because it was too cute) "What did you say 1st?"

She quickly says SANCTUARY!! That is the way it starts!!

Happy Birthday To BB. . .

or Brynn as she is sometimes called :)

It is so hard to believe that you are 5 years old. You never leave us with a dull moment. You are full of energy and a little drama!! We have know since an early age that you are not a morning person, you L-O-V-E your sleep!!! I guess you get it honest!! We also learned early about your love for animals, no matter how big or small or what type, you love them all. You are a daddy's girl through and through - none of that girly stuff for you. Well maybe a little lip gloss and nail polish here and there. You are a great big sister to Addie . We love your silly faces you are always making, dances you are always twirlling to, and songs you are always creating.

You are the best surprise we could have ever gotten!!!!

WE LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Daddy, Mommy, and Addie