Build-a-Bear

Brody's class went on a field trip to Build-a-Bear last week. He made a cute puppy that he named "Pup". Here he is controlling the stuffing machine.

Wyatt got a kick out of joining in on the classes fun. He was such a good boy listening and following directions. Wyatt also made a puppy and named him "Jacob". Afterwards we went to see Santa, played at the indoor playground, and visited the pet store.

Here they are with their dogs dressed up as Darth Vader and a clone trooper. Love it!

Traditions

We started two new family traditions this year. First, let me introduce you to Elfie. After reading the story "The Elf on the Shelf" we had to name our elf. Brody decided that Elfie was a great name. Elfie's job is to watch the boys during the day and fly to the North Pole each night to report their behavior to Santa. When Elfie returns the next morning, he's always resting in a different spot. So every morning the boys can't wait to see where they will find Elfie. They can tell anything to Elfie...their wishes and dreams etc, but Elfie is under strict rules from Santa not to talk back to them. The only rule we all have to follow is to not touch Elfie or else he'll lose his magic and not be able to fly to the North Pole again. We already feel like Elfie is part of the family. The boys were so surprised that Elfie even followed us to Sedona where we found him resting on a towel rack. The magic of Christmas is so heart warming. PS You can buy this book and the Elf at Hallmark.

The next family tradition that we started is using this advent calendar to count down the days until Jesus' birthday. Brody and I sat down with our December calendar and wrote down acts of kindness on a small slip of paper. We put one in each little box and carry out that act of kindness for the day. Then we put it in this wrapped box as one of the many gifts to Jesus. On Christmas morning we'll sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and open his gift filled with thoughtful things we've done for people throughout the month. Today we're going to a train station where they're having a toy drive. So todays act of kindness is to go shopping and pick out a toy for the toy drive. Others have included taking dinner to a friend that just had twins, calling Grandpa and wishing him a safe trip to Florida, hugging Ms. Mary at swim class and thanking her for teaching Wy to swim, taking baked cookies to a neighbor, etc. Sweet and simple acts of kindness that we all normally do is the best gift we can give Jesus for his birthday. Many blessings to you all!!!! xoxo

Red Rock Fantasy of Lights

Over the weekend we went to Sedona to see the Red Rock Fantasy of Lights. Jerry's mom drove up with us and her friends Elizabeth and Jerry met us there. We had an amazing time! The boys loved the hotel room, looking at lights, hiking by the creek, swimming at the indoor pool, and seeing the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Here was Wyatt's favorite display. He is still totally obsessed with anything Peter Pan!

This was the coolest Santa ever! Doesn't he look jolly? Notice the boys' attire. It was c-c-c-cold!

After looking at the beautiful light displays we checked out a tree decorating contest. Here was Wyatt's favorite. A tree covered with stuffed bears!

I thought these two should take a moment for a mother/son picture. I loved the tree behind them. Thanks for a fantastic weekend Mimi!

Oak Creek

On the last day of our trip we went to check out Oak Creek. It was so beautiful! Here's a cute picture of Mimi and the boys. It was very cold, but that didn't stop us from having fun!

There was a nice playground down by the creek that the boys LOVED!

Brody and I had fun walking on the rocks in the creek. Good thing nobody fell it! Brrrr!

Woo hoo...a house with 100 blow ups!!!!

Here it is...my boys in their glory with their Mama. Tonight we took my mom to see our favorite house with Christmas lights and close to 100 blow ups. The boys couldn't wait to show her each and every blow up. Thanks for spending the evening with us Mama! xoxo

Here's Wyatt with his favorite blow up. Scooby Rooby Roooooo!!!!

My mom and the boys doing the chicken dance was hillarious to watch. There was a little chicken with a Santa hat that sang the tune. What a night!

Tomorrow we're off to Sedona with Jerry's mom for the weekend! The boys are looking forward to seeing the Red Rock Fantasy of Lights, staying in a hotel, swimming in the heated pool, and taking in the scenery. We can't wait!!! I know one thing...we're going to dress warm. It's been sooooo cold at night. Cold for us anyways (around 40 degrees). We turned on the heat for the first time last night. Brrrrrrr!!!!!

Live Nativity

Tonight the boys and I went with my mom to see a Live Nativity at a local church. Here's Brody posing with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. The boys made ornaments, enjoyed the petting zoo, and ate cookies by the campfire.

The boys loved this calf! The donkey, sheep, and goats were cute too!

Brody said the sheep were his favorite. Baby Jesus was Wy's favorite part. To bad he was too shy to get a picture with him.