Candy Canes, Reindeer, and Cookies!

In the days leading up to Christmas, we had time for a few last minute activities.

I made candy cane scented play dough for Kate using peppermint essential oil, food coloring, and glitter; we also made a batch for the Davidson boys across the street.

What looked like this when I gave it to Kate,

quickly turned into this!

 As long as she enjoys the play dough, it's fine with me.  Who cares if the colors get mixed together?!

 Kate and I made Rudolph Rolo pretzel treats.

Rolo pretzel treats never last long in our house!

Reagan, Collin, Kate, and a friend (Sydney) decorated sugar cookies and sugar cone Christmas trees.  It's all about the decorating, because no one really wants to eat cookies piled with frosting, sprinkles, and candies.  Even Collin, who seriously thought he would eat his sugar laden concoctions, never actually ate much.

The Most Famous Reindeer of All

 One morning we found antlers and a shiny red nose drawn on the bathroom mirror by our silly elf.

 Reindeer sandwiches are a tradition for us!

 I made these reindeer doughnuts for an after school treat.  They made me laugh because the eyes all seem to give the "reindeer" different expressions.

Reindeer noses have become a tradition for Cherry.  He always brings eight unwrapped chocolate balls and one chocolate ball wrapped in shiny red foil.  Each of the four kids received a little bag of reindeer noses.

Reindeer Fun

Christmas Jammies, Reindeer Food, and Cookies for Santa

Christmas jammies are another tradition here.  This year, each of the four kids also got a throw in a tote with their jammies.

Hmmm, I didn't catch Tyler opening his Christmas jammies.  He was too quick, I guess.

Speaking of Christmas jammies, we have all been obsessed with the you tube Christmas Jammies video.  Even Kate asks, "Are those Christmas jammies?" just like the neighbor in the video.  It makes us all laugh!

On Christmas Eve, Collin, Reagan, and Kate also made reindeer food.  They mixed oats with red and green nonpareil sprinkles and then spread it over the front lawn to attract Santa's reindeer.

I have to remember to do the reindeer food earlier in the day next year so that I get better pictures!

We finally ended the night by leaving chocolate chip cookies and milk for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer.

We left Santa chocolate chip cookies that we had made earlier in the week.  I had to hide Santa's cookies because these cookies were really good - they disappeared quickly!

Reindeer Sandwiches and Noses

We have been making reindeer sandwiches for a few years now, so they have become a tradition here.  They are so easy to make that we always manage to find time to make them.  The kids enjoyed these last weekend!

Cherry decided the kids needed reindeer noses too!

In the background, you can see the Christmas house that Reagan made in Kindergarten.  I love the Christmas houses Collin and Reagan made, and if for some reason Kate does not get to make one in Kindergarten (I'm in NO WAY rushing that; Kindergarten is years away), I'll definitely help her make one at home, just because I love them so much!

Around Here

Collin played in his second piano recital on Sunday.  He played Minuet in G (Bach) and Sonata in C (Clementi/Goldston).  Collin chose both pieces, and his teacher commented that he is probably the first person in the history of piano recitals to volunteer for two classical pieces.  He played very well! I am always impressed with how calm he is during these recitals!

I have attached the video of his recital.  If you read my blog via email, you must go to the blog to see the video.

We are trying to be extra kind and give back during the month of December.  We are already falling behind on our tasks, but we will catch up and I promised the kids that we will do each and every task even if we don't accomplish them on the correct day!

Collin and Reagan put money in the Salvation Army red kettle.  They gave their own money and I let them decide how much to give.

We picked up a lot of litter along the path and in a section of the school yard.  It's amazing how much litter is there.  We picked up a lot of water bottles and soda cans, so at least those will be recycled.  Next time we do this, I will bring gloves for each of us, there were some gross things!

Tis the season for fun treats!  I have made two different reindeer sandwiches over the last few days.

I have also made many strawberry Santa hats.

Our elf, Cherry, has been busy.

Collin and Reagan loved the reindeer noses Cherry brought.

Collin and Reagan were happy to get Advent Calendars again this year.  Collin's is Lego and Reagan's is Playmobil.  The Advent Calendar is perfect for Collin's personality; he looks forward to opening a new Lego creation each day and he has patience and discipline regarding things like this.  Reagan, on the other hand, is not very patient.  On December 1st, she asked why she couldn't just open the whole thing that day!!!

There are so many great things to look forward to this month.  I hope we stay healthy and enjoy all of the fun together!