Leaves!

We spent a warm Saturday afternoon in December raking leaves. Well, Ben raked leaves while the kids jumped in piles and created houses and I wrapped presents inside (re-wrapped presents after Simon opened several that were under the tree). Some of our trees were just starting to change color so this was not the last of our raking. I love how long fall lasts in North Carolina.

This table has pretty much been a permanent wrapping station/Christmas crafting station all month. I love it!

Holiday Express at Pullen Park

This was our second year going to the Holiday Express at Pullen Park. We had a great time riding the carousel and train, seeing the lights, playing games, collecting prizes, doing Christmas crafts, going sledding and playing on the playground.

starting the advent calendars...

I was a little slow getting the advent calendars started this year since we were gone right up until December 1. I made sure to wrap the Christmas books before we left since this is always a favorite of the kids. Each of the kids also got a chocolate advent calendar from Trader Joe's. Simon finished his off on December 2.

a road trip birthday.

We left Green Bay Sunday mid-morning and drove as far as Cincinnati. The kids were excited about staying in a hotel. We drove the remaining 8 hours the next day, which happened to be Ben's birthday. When we got home that night, he had a pretty sad birthday cake made out of Little Debbie tree cakes and opened a few presents. We were glad we got to spend so much time together over Thanksgiving since he has spent most of December traveling for work.

Simon insisted on carrying his blanket and book to the hotel room. The kids were troopers, even when we arrived at the hotel after 10 p.m. Everyone was pretty grumpy on the second day of driving though. Always sad to leave Grandma and Grandpa's house and cousins and fun.

Christmas lights, a nature walk, and more!

We night we went to a drive-thru light display. In the middle of the display they had Santa's workshop. We were the only people there so the kids got lots of attention from Santa. Amelia (for the first year) didn't want to approach Santa but he finally convinced her to at least get a treat from him. He sang "Jingle Bells" with the kids before we left. The next day we went to the Wildlife Sanctuary and attempted a walk through the outdoor displays in 18 degree weather. It was chilly! We warmed up inside the nature center and then headed to Zesty's for famous butter burgers, fried cheese curds and frozen custard. The kids spent their last night together being crazy as usual. Grandma and Stephanie had them doing some crazy relays and yoga positions.