On the Third Day of Christmas Vacation . . .

. . .  my true love gave to me . . . 

a cinnamon roll helper

 science experiments

 daddy making breakfast

 more cinnamon roll baking

 lunch at Larry's Pizza

 more help baking

 and cleaning up

 a trip to the fire station to deliver cinnamon rolls

where they got fireman hats!

an adorable baby laughing at her brothers' while they put out fires

On the Second Day of Christmas Vacation . . .

. . . my true love gave to me - Sunday morning worship and fun family activities.

 We saw our friend Reese after church and had to get a picture with her too.

 We made Puppy Chow!

 And made Christmas Scent Jars!

We played Rummikub . . . 

 and enjoyed one of Daddy's Christmas presents - Chicago deep dish pizza flown in from his favorite place - Lou Malnati!

On the first day of Christmas vacation . . .

 . . my true love gave to me - fun friends to spend the day with.

Early Saturday morning we saw on Facebook that some sweet friends had woken up with no power.  That pretty much sucks any day but especially during Christmas.  (we know how that feels from last Christmas) So we invited them to head on over in their jammies and spend the day being lazy with us.  They also have 3 kiddos (2 boys/2 girl) and everyone had so much fun playing, crafting and eating. The adults also enjoyed some Christmas Cheer by way of mimosas with breakfast and a few other libations in the afternoon.  

 After they left in the afternoon, Daddy helped our boys get settled in to watch a movie.  This is what Mama found a very short time later.  

Last day before Christmas Vacation

This morning the boys were both excited to head off to school.  Joseph had a PJ day and Jacob had a program and party

Jacob has been practicing his part all week.

 "Hi Mama!"

 He was so proud of himself.  Mama and Daddy were proud too.

Joseph's Christmas Party

Joseph's teacher let his class vote on what they wanted to have at their party.  They had pizza, chips, ice cream sundaes and cupcakes.

 Joseph teacher also gave each child 3 individually wrapped books!

Jacob's Christmas Program

A few of my favorite things - Part 1

My Santa Wine Glass - makes me happy

My coffee mug - a gift from a sweet friend - also makes me happy

This awesome 3-D painting by my sister Natalie as my Christmas gift.  Love, love, love it.

Brown paper packages tied up with string - I know - I totally stole this one but they are some of my favorite things.  This is the third year our Christmas gifts have been wrapped in brown paper and tied with string.

These silly, cute and generally awesome sweet boys

"homemade" bread fresh from the oven with really homemade peach vanilla bourbon jam.  seriously yum.

Our Thanksgiving Card

Way behind on birth announcements + Thanksgiving cards = ahead on Christmas?

Polar Express Day

This boy was so excited to go to school this morning and take his "favorite mooovie" along.  Never mind that he watched it three times yesterday. He was also excited to wear his North Pole shirt.  (I found it on the Kroger clearance table last year for $3.  One of my best bargain finds.  Ever.)