Christmas Activites--Part 2

A few of my friends and I decided on the spur of the moment that it would be so fun to get together and bake all of our Christmas goodies together and then split them all up for neighborhood gifts. It was a warm December day so the kids played outside while the screen was open so that we had a nice breeze blowing through the kitchen and could hear the kids outside. We all brought a bowl of cookie dough to bake and something else like fudge, or toffee to make. It was such a fun day for me. I loved laughing and enjoying the afternoon with my friends.

The kids all enjoyed the taste testing and periodically came in to see what else they could sample.

In transport to the dining room we only had one casualty. I think the kids took good care of him though.

Look what selection we ended up with!!!!!!

Many friends make light work. It was so fun packaging them all up and delivering them to all the neighbors. I stayed in the car while the kids ran them around wearing Santa hats. I think we have a new tradition in the works!

We also got to participate in the neighborhood family Christmas activity. Santa came (thanks to our friends--Whew!) and the kids got to sit on his lap and then get a candy cane in the club house.

This shows the progression of our little Jace with Santa. He doesn't want to go---BJ is coaxing him. He's been through this before at our church activity---he knows he doesn't want to do it again.

He's mad at us for making him go--he's not going to sit on his lap, but he'll stand next to him and show his annoyance. Santa's being really good with him but he doesn't care--he wants nothing to do with this man in the red suit and crazy facial hair!

Santa is smart----He gave Jace a candy cane--his favorite treat this Christmas Season----all is well in the world now!

The girls hung out with their friends and colored while eating cookies and sipping on hot chocolate.

Now it was time to take a horse drawn wagon ride through the neighborhood to see the lights. We couldn't have been more excited about this.

Our friends came to enjoy the evening with us. It was so fun to have them there!

We sang Christmas Carols and enjoyed all the lights. Some of the neighbors went all out on their lights this year. I love to see merriment like that!

When we got back we roasted marshmallows out in the parking lot and had more hot chocolate. It couldn't have been any more picture perfect. What a great day!!!!