Donut Drive

Last night we made our annual Donut Drive. This year Stephen was home to go with us, and Grandma is visiting so she joined us too.  This was Caroline's inaugural Donut Drive, but she didn't get a donut this year. Maybe that's why she fussed and cried so much.

The Christmas lights weren't as impressive as in the past, though we did see some pretty ones in the neighborhood. My favorite was a box snowman (so technically it wasn't a light display). The least favorite was Mr. Grinch. Apparently, the boys are a little freaked out by Mr. Grinch...haha.

We also decided that the donuts from Dunkin' Donuts are not as tasty (or large) as the donuts from Shoppers, so back to Shoppers we will go next year...that is, unless they bring Krispy Kreme to the neighborhood!!

Here are the kids in their jammies, ready to go...

 

Elsa Turns 4

Elsa turned four just a week ago. She has been counting down the days until her birthday for months, it seems.  Grammie and Grandpa came from Pennsylvania to celebrate with her as well as to celebrate Christmas since we won't be making the trip up this year.

Caroline dressed for the occasion...the Christmas one, anyway...

And Elsa had a grand time opening presents and playing with Grammie and Grandpa and eating her Hello Kitty cake...

             

December

It doesn't seem possible that it's already more than halfway through December and Christmas is nearly here. And it's almost the first official day of winter-though I'm wondering if winter is ever going to arrive. It has been so warm here just like last year. We were really hoping for some snow this year. We bought sleds last year with hopes of some serious snow and good sledding, but we only had a half inch the entire winter. Maybe we'll get to use the sleds this year.

This month has passed quickly-and yet dragged on-since we've been dealing with colds and illnesses for what seems like forever.  Well, since Thanksgiving really. It made the rounds, and this year Stephen caught it too and had nearly a whole week off work. Thankfully, we haven't had to miss school for it much.

We are looking forward to a week and a half off very soon. Just two more days to get through, and then...Christmas vacation! I think everyone needs the break.  We have been blessed to have a neighbor lady come over a few mornings this week to play with Elsa while we do school.  It has been so helpful to have Elsa occupied and not constantly asking what she can do or getting into trouble (not that she EVER does that!).  I am thinking of asking our neighbor if she might be interested in working through a phonics primer with Elsa to get her reading. Elsa has been sounding out CVC words on her own for a while now, and I just haven't had much time to teach her anything beyond that.  But she is eager to learn reading and writing. Maybe with a little help we can get her reading soon.

Miss Caroline is working hard on two more teeth, still waking during the night most of the time (except for once when she slept through the whole night...very encouraging), and eating lots of solid food now. I predict that she will be on the move soon as she is starting to pull up and is scooting backwards on her tummy now...she can't quite get that forward motion going yet, though. 

Grandma is coming for a visit later this week and will stay through New Year's Eve. Uncles and an aunt and cousins will be here for Christmas as well. Lots of present-wrapping to be done; lots of cooking, too. Tonight I need to sit down and work out the timing of my menu. I have decided what we're having though.

Dinner:

Roast Beef w/ gravy

Sweet Potato Crunch

Mashed Potatoes

Baked Corn (Grandma is making this - yay!)

Steamed Asparagus

Cranberry Relish

Rolls

And for dessert:

Cookies (my sister-in-law is bringing some)

Cranberry Fudge Pie with whipped cream

Now, off to work out the timing of the menu! I hope I can manage to get everything onto the table at the same time.