Christmas Eve

Where has December gone??? It has been quite a busy month and it's hard to believe it's already Christmas Eve. One of our family traditions we do is to decorate a gingerbread house together. Since I had a ton of baking still to do, Brian took charge of the project.

I don't really know who's running the show....

I asked for a smile and this is what I got: "CHEESE!"

Oohhh lala...fancy little gingerbread house.

We also baked sugar cookies and set them out for Santa. Bella is really hoping he brings her a pink Barbie. Nothing else. Seriously, just a PINK Barbie.

Before bedtime, we read the "Elf on the Shelf" one last time and said goodbye to Buddy because he has to return to Santa until next year. She really has enjoyed this book and she's so excited in the mornings to find him in his new hiding places.

So, with the stockings hung by the chimney with care....

We can't wait for St. Nicholas to soon be here!!! Merry Christmas!

December Cookies & Trains

Since I have been slacking the last few weeks, this post will include a few different activities. It's been a busy...but VERY fun!....month for us. Bella and I hosted a book & cookie exchange for our toddler playgroup. The kids exchanged books while the moms exchanged cookies. YUM! (I didn't get many pictures because I must have been enjoying the cookies!)



We headed to Alvin for the 10th Annual Christmas Train presented by Victory Camp & Living Stones Church. http://www.victorycamp.com/ChristmasTrain.html



Bella & Brian really enjoyed looking at the village and trains set up.

We didn't wait the 2+ hrs to ride the train, but we still enjoyed all the lights & decorations.

Very cute gingerbread train...

Gingerbread house & decorations

Cake Boss and Santa in the House!

Last Friday (12/4), Brian entered his work's Christmas dessert decorating contest. He made red-velvet minicupcakes, mixed up green & brown icing, and piped (yes- he did it himself!) the swirl on each cupcake. He did have a little help- Bella was in charge of the green spinkles. Then he put on the finishing touches...red licorice, Hersey kisses, and cinnamon red-hots.

I was very excited to hear how he did....he got 2nd place! Yay! For those unfamiliar with the TLC show Cake Boss, you should definitely watch it. We are hooked....love that show!!!

Shelly (Brayden's mom) hosted a playdate with a visit from Santa! (It was her older son, Grayson, dressed up but Brayden was the only kid to catch on to that). And Bella was just like she was with the Easter bunny, she wasn't going near Santa!

She's hiding behind Brayden and Aiden....

"Hmmm....whatcha got in your bag, Santa?"