Bubba

Bubba is a common nickname for Thatcher. He holds true to the name. I love his bright blue eyes and his delicious squishy cheeks. He squeals when he sees me. He has a loud voice in this already loud home. And a fantastic belly laugh. And……he's on the move. He is officially crawling and getting into everything. Knocking down a carefully built block tower. Swiping his hand to clear the cards off of a Zingo game. Pulling at cords and knocking things over. He is everywhere. Oh my.

 

Advent Days 1-9

This is the first year we have done an Advent calendar and it has been so much fun! Each morning the boys run downstairs to the dining room in anticipation of opening another numbered brown bag. I have to admit, it's been fun for me too! So here are days 1-9…….

Day 1: "Tonight we are going to have a Christmas movie night!" The children received a new movie, "The Bernstein Bear's Christmas." It was a $5 find at Target and they love it. It dates back to the '80's so I love it too! A classic.

Day 2: "Enjoy these fuzzy Christmas socks!" All four children received a pair of fun Christmas socks. Santas and candy canes…..princess socks for Ellie. They were a hit.

Day 3: "Let's have a Christmas pizza party!" We ate pizza in the shapes of a Christmas tree, stocking, and snowmen. It didn't come out exactly as I would have hoped, but the children approved so that's all that mattered.

 

 

 

Day 4: "Let's make mason jar snow globes!" We glued figurines and small Christmas trees to the lid of a mason jar, added distilled water, glycerin, and glitter and wah la! Our very own snow globes.

 

 

Day 5: "Let's have a Christmas bubble bath party!" The children received Elmo Christmas bubble batch. I then transformed their bathroom into a fun "party." Green colored bath water, a ton of bubbles, Christmas music, and our tiny Christmas tree set the scene.

 

 

 

Day 6: "A Christmas treat. Enjoy these fun squeezy toys!"

 

Day 7: "A Christmas treat-go hang your new ornament on the Christmas tree!" The children each got a small stuffed animal ornament to hang on the tree.

 

Day 8: "Let's decorate a gingerbread house!" I gave the boys creative liberty (fighting my urge to micromanage) and this is what they came up with. I'm impressed.

 

 

Day 9: "Let's go visit the gingerbread competition!" We headed to The Grove Park Inn for their annual gingerbread house competition. We love it here for so many reasons and had a fun family afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Adventure with the Littles

A few days ago, while Everett was at school, my littlest three and I…and Gigi, went on a Christmas adventure. We went to the Grove Park Inn for their Annual Gingerbread House competition. Everett went with us later, as it was an advent activity. We had a fun morning in our Christmas wear, soaking in all things Christmas. Also, I seriously think the GPI pumps cinnamon through their air vents. It was delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Babies At Play

I have said it many times before, but my absolute favorite times are the moments we share just playing at home. Those memories are the ones I hold most dear. Sometimes play has to be initiated by mommy, and other times they initiate the play on their own. Sometimes they want me to be involved-and other times they are more content playing on their own. Everett plays well on his own, however needs more "help" knowing what to play. Hampton initiates play on his own very well, but almost always needs a play partner. Eleanor initiates play on her own and usually likes playing on her own (although she almost always is willing to play with mommy). And Thatcher-I'm not sure yet. We'll just have to see as his personality continues to emerge and develop. Overall though, the children play hard.

 

 

 

 

Snow Day

A couple of weeks ago we were blessed to get just enough snow to play in. The children were so excited. And, getting small children all in winter gear is not for the faint of heart.

 

 

 

 

Sweet baby decided to not brave the cold and play inside with his nativity set instead.

 

More Thanksgiving Things

Making pumpkin pie play dough…...
 

Making turkey ornaments…..
 

 

Creating puppets and then putting on a puppet show…..
 

 

Everett and Daddy coming up with names for all the puppets.
 

 

Afternoon hot cocoa dates….