Cookies

We finally got around to making some cookies yesterday. Traditionally, we make our cut outs at Grammy's house. They are much too hard for me to do alone! I hate rolling the dough! Dawson had her own rolling pin and got right to work. She is quite the kitchen helper these days. Not usually with me but, with Grammy!

Rolling the dough...

Stopping for a snack break. She found a bag of grapes close by and dug in!

Sprinkling the cookies...

I wonder if these cookies need some more sprinkles? This one doesn't have too much yet!

I decided to give her a few presents early so she could enjoy them without being overwhelmed. This is from her Great Aunt Kathy and Great Uncle Ric. She loves this dog but, gets a little mad when he falls over while she is taking him for a walk!

Off they go on a walk. She is so serious with her pets! Thanks for the fun toy!

The Polar Express - Year 2

We boarded the Polar Express yesterday afternoon and headed to the North Pole. All dressed in our pajamas, with our Grammy and friends (Lynn, Kyle and Grace), we were off for a magical train ride to the North Pole. Our ride started off with the Elves reading the story followed by some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies, just like the book. About an hour later we arrived at the North Pole. We wiped our steamed up windows and saw Santa, Frosty, Rudolph, some carolers, elves, the Grinch, and many more North Pole people. It was fun looking out the window and seeing everyone but, Dawson instantly commented "Where is Mrs. Claus? I quickly responded that she was at home making cookies. As the train began to head back home, We had a guest visitor..SANTA. He came in our car and greeted each child and gave them the first gift of Christmas, a bell.

Here is our train headed toward the station for us to board!

Dawson just got on the train and decided to check out the window and see what was outside. Not much was out there as we were sitting at the train station!

As we arrived at the North Pole, Grace and Dawson wiped the windows so they could see. They were so cute wiping away.

An elf stopped by to visit us and as you can see, Dawson isn't too fond of elves!

Grammy and Dawson enjoying some popcorn together!

If you know the story, the conductor stops by each child and punches in their initial on the train ticket. Here is the conductor punching a "D" for Dawson.

Our two girls just peeking back at the other kids on the train.

Hanging with Santa but, not too happy about it. I just cut myself out of the picture. You can't tell that Dawson is hanging on to me for DEAR LIFE!

On the ride back, everyone was getting tired. She started to lay down and just enjoy the ride. As we went to bed last night Dawson asked me "Is it Christmas?" I said "Not yet but it's coming soon." She responded, "OK, I will go to the North Pole tomorrow and get it for us." (meaning Christmas). How sweet!

Holiday Fun With Friends...

Yesterday, we spent the morning at Lynn's house with Grace, Aimee and Mayna, enjoying each other, eating lunch and decorating cookies. A wonderful time was had by all! I couldn't believe how busy the girls were just playing independently. They each tend to do their own thing with a few interactions here and there. Typical two year olds! As for the adults, we also enjoyed chatting and a delicious lunch by Lynn.

Painting the icing on the gingerbread man. Check out the focus!

A close up shot of the decorating. I love those little hands!

Mayna and Grace decorating. Such beautiful girls!

Band-Aids.....

All I needed was a few minutes to change and fold the laundry. When I came out of the laundry room, this is what I found.......

She was very methodical on her Band-Aid placement. It's hard to tell by the picture but, she put one on each part of the table that was sticking out. I'm thinking about some Band-Aids for her stocking this year!!! We do need to replace our stock of them!!!!

Frosty....

Is that you Frosty?????

Gingerbread House

It has always been a family tradition to complete a gingerbread house the day after Thanksgiving. We were not so successful last year but, this year we did it. Target had these premade and already put together houses so I bought one immediately. It was just perfect for the two of us. It even came with premade frosting and candy! I put the candy and frosting out and we were ready to go. She was so serious and loved every moment of it! She did not figure out you could eat the candy until papa walked by and started stealing the candy. Then it was all over! As you can see in the pictures below. So much fun!!!!

The starting house!

Carefully working!

Still focusing.....

Opps...she just saw papa eat some candy so she decided to try it out also.

The finished product....

Christopher Pop-In-Kins

Who Is This You Ask?

Meet Christopher Pop-In-Kins

Here's the story...... About 6 years ago a parent at my school told me about this elf that you move around your house at Christmas time. She brought him in and told me the whole story. I loved the whole idea of it so I bought 4 sets. Well, I gave three away and for some reason, I've always had an extra one and have not been willing to give it away. Thank goodness because I can't wait to do it this year with Dawson! The last set is officially mine! Here's how the story goes....

Christopher worked for Santa in the North Pole making toys, but wanted a little more in his life. Soooooo, he talked to Santa about it and told him he really wanted to spend time with real girls and boys and help them with the long wait between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So Santa said he could go spend time with all the boys and girls under one condition: the kids must never touch him. For if they did, he would lose his magic and have to return to the North Pole to get it back. So Santa granted Christopher to be the very first Children's Elf!

Christopher Pop-In-Kins has been around for 24 years. Each year at Thanksgiving, parents read the first book explaining how he comes to see the kids and moves around your house each day. The fun part is trying to find him each morning. Then, on Christmas Eve, there is another book that sends Christopher back home to the North Pole. Santa needs his help delivering toys! I can't wait to see how this Christmas wait goes with Dawson....I will keep you posted.

On another note, the picture below is the newly created Christopher. When I bought mine six years ago, an older couple was creating him at home and mail ordering. The couple passed away about 2 years ago and the family members decided to mass manufacture him along with one of his books. Here is a picture of the new Christopher sold everywhere, including Amazon. I kind of like my "vintage" one but, he's pretty cute too!