Christmas Festivities so far...

Well, it's only December 17th and we have packed all kinds of FUN Christmas activities in. By December 2nd, my kids had already seen Santa 3 times. We have tried to not just do "Santa" focused things, but to really teach them the true meaning of Christmas and feel that sweet spirit that makes the season so special. We do have an Elf- I mean, that's just fun! Adelyn loves coming down each morning to see where Roseanne is. My favorite thing that I have watched them do is reenact Jesus's birth with the Little People Nativity scene. Adelyn begs for me to read the story so she can act it out. She totally gets it and to me, that is the best part about Christmas!

Seth has been out of town a TON. He went to California to do a 25 hour race with Bimmerworld. He was home for one night and then went to Austin, TX to test the cars and left from there to go to London for a Mclaren deal. I am especially proud of his Mclaren job. Next year, he will be doing track events all over the US in order for people to experience their new sports car. He gets paid for it and for a car nut like Seth, this is an amazing opportunity! However, he was gone during a busy time of the year. We squeezed in family time before he left (getting decorations up, seeing Santa, and visiting Stone Mountain). While he was gone, my in-laws and parents were a TREMENDOUS help. Brenda and Bobby kept at least one of my kids SEVERAL times in order for me to take Adelyn somewhere special, tutor, or just plain get things done! My parents came in town another weekend and helped me not lose my sanity!

Below are pictures of things we've done that I don't ever want to forget! Like everyone else, I am feeling especially sentimental about spending these precious moments with my family after the tragedy at the elementary school in Conneticut. As a former teacher and a parent, my heart goes out to all involved and I am lifting them up in prayer. 

This was the first year Adelyn has been into decorating the tree. Granted, she put them all in one spot and we had to keep reminding her to put space between them all. 

Seth is on a ladder with Adelyn on his shoulders- how safe is this??  She put the angel on top and then told me later that we needed a bigger one. She really was right, so I found a larger one at HomeGoods. :)

Seth and I took the kids to see Santa at the Outlet Mall. This is the beautiful, sweet Santa that we've seen every year.  Adelyn told Santa she wants an American Girl doll and James wants a tiny bouncy ball (which is what she told Santa she wanted last year). 

One of our Christmas card photos. I am so glad that James didn't cry on his lap! He did awesome.  When Adelyn was this age, I was also in the picture and/or she was bawling. 

We went to Stone Mountain again this year for their Christmas festivities. We got there just in time for their Christmas parade. Next, we rode the train that takes you on a 30 minute ride while playing carols and seeing lights. James was SO excited to ride the train! We ended the evening with hot chocolate.

This was a neat pathway of lights

Seth's parents took  the kids and me to see a Live Nativity. It was so much fun! Of course, James couldn't get enough of the tractor that pulled us around. We ate at Rice beforehand and had hot chocolate and desserts at the church afterwards. Fun night!

Adelyn and I met my friend Heather to see The Nutcracker. One of my old students was performing in it. It was beautiful! Adelyn loved watching the big girl ballerinas. 

This is Adelyn's CFUMC Preschool Christmas program (12/14). Her class sang several songs- it was adorable. 

Afterwards, her class had a party. Mrs. Stephanie offered James food. He got to sit at the big kid table. He thought he was something else!

Grandma and Adelyn

Nana, Adelyn, and James

I am doing this again sometime! They strung donuts and the kids had to eat them without using their hands. Hilarious! Afterwards, they had a book exchange. 

Adelyn and I outside her school 

My mom comes in town every year before Christmas and we bake cookies together. This year, we made sugar cookies, Reeses cups, and yummy chocolate chip cookies. 

Adelyn took a little break from baking and played with the Little People Nativity. Kids crack me up! What are they in line for? (She and James each have a set, so that's why there's so many)

Rolling out the dough

James was all about eating the sprinkles. 

If you have a chance to go to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Garden Lights/Holiday Nights, DO IT! They have over 1 million lights and it really is a twinkling wonderland! They have a model train area that you can't step away from. The whole place was just magical.

Adelyn me Lumina the Light Fairy. She went right up to her and said, "Hi, I'm Adelyn. What's your favorite color?"

Behind my dad and Adelyn is a very, very tall "tree" made up of poinsettias. I can't even begin to estimate how many poinsettias they had. 

Adelyn and James saw Santa (and Mrs. Clause) for the 4th time at the Oak Grove Church Christmas program. Adelyn had a speaking part in the play! The children spelled out "Happy Birthday Jesus". Adelyn held up the "B" and said, "B is for Baby. Jesus came as a baby" clearly and with confidence. I was so proud!

I am linking a video of her singing. Definitely watch Adelyn about 30 seconds in....she decides to sing louder than anyone else and even does a little accidental solo. I was cracking up!!
 http://youtu.be/w5QPhqIbXN0