Playdates and Christmas Parties

A couple of weekends ago, Elizabeth had her first sleepover.  She and Caroline were invited over to Bentley's house (in our neighborhood) along with Emma and Riley.  Gretchen (Bentley's mom) is one brave lady! 

They did some arts and crafts, ate pizza, and then the big girls had a slumber party.  I totally anticipated getting a call at midnight telling me to come get her.  But I didn't.  And the first thing she said to me when I picked her up in the morning was, "Mama, I didn't even get sad for you.  I slept all night!"  She was so excited, but I was a tidbit sad.  Deep down I think I wanted her to desperately need me to come get her because she wanted her mama.  But my big, brave girl was just fine and her first sleepover was a success!

Caroline and Elizabeth had their Christmas parties at school this week.  I just love seeing them interacting with their teachers and friends.  

Tonight we picked up Jordan and Jackson for a playdate.  We went to the park, played dress up, made mini-Christmas pizzas, and watched a Christmas movie.  Caroline and Elizabeth were worn out from all of the fun and excitement!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Recuperating

 This past weekend was so busy, and I'm realizing that it takes me a lot longer to recuperate than it use to!  Friday night started with our Showcase of the Arts where our band, chorus, orchestra, and drama kids put on the most amazing Christmas show.  

Then bright and early Saturday morning, I headed to Pope for our 6th annual SWAG.  This year Shop with a Greyhound was bigger and better than ever!  We raised over $30,000 and spent the day with 400 Pope students and 150 Brumby Elementary students cooking waffles, playing in a bounce house, decorating cookies, having a book fair, visiting Santa, and shopping at Target!  

On Sunday morning, we prepared for Children's Church since it was our turn to teach (or so we thought).  Actually it's next weekend, but we are ready in advance!  Elizabeth did sing with Joy Choir in the traditional service. 

I slept 12 hours on Saturday night, but still felt exhausted on Sunday afternoon.  So Elizabeth and I headed to the nail salon!  

Sunday night we went to a live nativity.  It was so cold, but so cool to "walk around Bethlehem" and make the story of our savior's birth come to life for our girls.

I had another full night sleep on Sunday night, and finally felt "caught up."  One week left of school, then two weeks vacation!!  I can do it!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Portable North Pole

The girls received their message from Santa last night, and I videoed their reactions.  My favorite parts are how much Caroline loves seeing herself on the video and when Santa references "the big book" Elizabeth thinks he's talking about the Bible.  

Christmas Time in Marietta

It's been raining nonstop around here, but we're still trying to soak up the Christmas traditions in our town.  Living near Atlanta, there are so many holiday events taking place.  Of course I want to do them all, but would probably go crazy trying.  Plus, our kiddos aren't old enough to appreciate all of them yet.  I hope to add at least one a year.  This year we plan on going to Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights.  I can't wait to go ice skating outside or sledding down Stone Mountain, but I don't think this will be that year.  We've been staying a little closer to home.  

We went to an impromptu dinner last weekend on the square.  It was still unseasonably warm and actually stopped raining for a bit, so we decided to take a tour of the Christmas decorations on the square.  As we were gazing at the tree, the heavens opened up and drenched us with rain.  As we all sprinted to the car, I couldn't help but start laughing hysterically.   I'm so glad it wasn't freezing yet!

This one discovered Nutter Butter Reindeer and loves them!

Tonight, Elizabeth sang at our Children's Candlelight Service.  I still remember the first time we went to this as a family.  E was less than a year old.  I couldn't even imagine her being big enough to sing on stage... but she is!  Watching them all walk in down the center isle holding their (battery-operated) candles, almost made me cry.  I loved listening and especially watching her sing song after song.  

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cookie Decorating Party

East Park is our subdivision, but then we are further divided into smaller subdivisions within that.  Ours is called Olde Lexington, and in my totally biased opinion, we are the best!  My friend Nichole had the great idea of starting a new cookie decorating tradition with our neighbors.  I offered to co-host with her.  And with her baking skills (she baked the sugar and gingerbread cookies) and my purchasing skills (I bought the decorating supplies and set-up), it was a huge success! 

Breakfast with Santa

This is the third year we have had Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at our  clubhouse.  I love it because it's very low key, no fuss, and no rush.  Elizabeth instantly sat on Santa's lap and started talking to him.  Caroline took a minute to warm up, but eventually sat on Mrs. Claus's lap.  She even talked to her!

Breakfast with Santa 2012

Breakfast with Santa 2011

Santa, The Pink Pig, and The Varsity

We usually go to see Santa the first Sunday after Thanksgiving.  This year was no different.  I would've posted this earlier, but our computer started crashing right after I loaded and deleted all of the pictures from my camera.  I'm hoping we'll be able to save it, but until then all I have are the pictures taken while on Santa's lap and one from my phone.  

We've gone to the Santa at Lenox Square every year but one.  I love that he's so pretty, patient, and we can ride the Pink Pig afterwards.  Caroline is still not a fan of the big guy, but Elizabeth was eager to sit on his lap and tell him what she wanted.  She asked for a new ornament and a scooter.  

On the way home we ate lunch at The Varsity.  This was a first for that, but I think we will be adding it to our annual tradition.  I'm not a big fan of The Varsity, but I am a fan of tradition!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone