advent day 17

Our advent activities kept us super busy and some days got mixed around if the weather was too cold for a walk or if Paul had a surprise day off.  Our 17th day was to send Christmas letters. The kids colored pages from a coloring book my dad sent, put stickers on it, and wrote a little message on some. We only had three stamps left, so don't feel bad if you don't get one, not everyone did. I'm sure they are still in transit though because they weren't actually picked up until yesterday. Our mail stopped coming on the Friday before Christmas... What?!

advent day 15 and 16

Our advent activity on the 15th and 16th were very different. The first was going to Stone Mountain. This time of year they have a parade and a huge snow slide and TONS of lights. We went mostly for the lights. They were amazing.

The parade was crazy crowded and we could barely see anything, but the boys thought it was magical. There was a snow fairy and santa too!

Matix took these pictures.

We stopped at the ball barn before leaving. We love it there.

Above the trees on part of the drive they even hung lights. The picture doesn't show it very well, but it was so pretty. Very Christmas-y feeling!

Our advent on the 16th was to donate toys. We went through the playroom and talked about other children that may not have as many toys.  We let the boys decide on each toy.  Some they could not part with, but others, even some favorites, they did share. We were so proud of them. All together they donated a medium sized packing box FULL with toys.  We used these toys to give to a family down the street from us with 8 children, and very few toys. 

Merry and Bright!

The children are nestled all snug in their beds, but two have fevers. Poor things. Paul and I just finished putting together some last minute Lego builds.  We attempted to watch Home Alone, but Netflix didn't have it on instant play.  We watched a little Lost, and now Paul is happily dreaming and I am posting this before falling asleep myself.  

Every day I feel so lucky, but for some reason this time of year is particularly good for reflecting on the many blessings and wonderful opportunities and growing experiences I have been given.  I am so happy in my life. It is not always perfect, many days are FAR from perfect, but I love it. I love that my kids push me to my limits, so I can prove that I can be the kind of parent I want to be. I love that we don't have money, so I can be that much more appreciative of the kindnesses and gifts from others.  I love that my husband is so selfless and gives so much of his time to others, so I can try to be more like him. I love this life, my family,  everything. Merry Christmas.

Petal's party!

Petal turned 2 and had a fairy princess party. The girls were all encouraged to dress up in party dresses or as fairies or as princesses.  Lullaby happened to have the PERFECT party dress, from her auntie Robin.  She looked adorable in it. Thanks Rob!

Petal's grandma was dressed as a princess too and was the story teller.  She did such a good job.  Each girl got a wand to add to their ensemble.

There was yummy food, silly mustache cup markers (which I love!!), good friends, face painting, tattoos, and lots of new toys to play with.  The party was totally Petal, it was so cute.

Lullaby is still pretty obsessed with baby dolls and claimed this one as hers for most of the party.

Happy birthday sweet Petal, we love you! :)

breakfast

Our impromptu morning breakfast of doughnuts was a tasty surprise. The kids ALL woke up before 7am one morning and Paul and I were surprisingly, rested, so we got up loaded the kids in the car and drove to Dunkin Donuts, which is apparently open 24 hours. We have never done this before and the kids were SO excited. The lady behind the counter was very patient and asked them what they wanted. The boys each chose a few that looked good.

When we got home they each chose their favorite. Lullaby wasn't a huge fan.  She ate a couple small bites of her doughnut then decided that was enough and then ate fistfuls raspberries. 

Hawken couldn't wipe this goofy grin off of himself, he was so happy.

Matix, my chocolate lover, picked chocolate on chocolate. He loved every bite.

Everyone got full after only one doughnut (and yogurt, fruit, eggs, chocolate milk and juice). We had purchased an entire dozen thinking the boys and the adults would probably have two each.  Oh well.  We usually eat fairly healthy, so it was kind of nice to have junk food around for a couple days. :)