It was the week of Christmas at our house and we were in a festive mood! Our elf was on a roll with gummy tacos, socks, pokemon cards, and the final day, he brought the boys ornaments (Grave Digger for Gussie and Mario for Xander). Every day started earlier and earlier, and there was one 5am morning that I imagined ripping that elf’s head off, but I still LOVE elf on the shelf and enjoyed every moment of it. I have already started saving ideas for next year.
My other seasonal passion has been themed meals- mostly Xander’s cold lunches, but a few at home lunches and breakfasts as well. Xander appreciates a good theme and I had a lot of fun coming up with new surprises for him. I’m not sure what his teacher must think, but he has been enjoying it, so it’s been super fun for me to do for him.
Augustus has been spending Mondays and Wednesdays with Grandma Debbie and he’s having a blast. This week they made some really excellent crafts and went to the zoo. He’s a very lucky kiddo.
Xander is doing great in school. He loves his teacher, his friends and all of the cool classes he takes. He has 3-4 specialty classes per day (gym, french, drama, art, music, technology, library) and 2 recesses. They keep him VERY busy. During one french class recently, they had a special party with chocolate fondue (un chocolat). He comes home with so much to say about the things he’s learning and I love watching him grow.
The puppies are maniacs and alternate between being cute and cuddly, and causing mayhem.
On Saturday, we celebrated Christmas Eve. Grandma Debbie came over to spend the night. We ate crab and croissants and caesar salad (cheeseburger sliders and fries for the boys), and ate brownies for dessert. It was SO decadent and amazing. The boys got to open one present from Grandma. Gussie got a monster truck and Xander got a dinosaur bone excavating kit. The boys spent almost an hour hammering and chipping away at the clay block, retrieving dinosaur bones. By the time they were done, the walls, the floor, the chairs, the table, both boys and my mom were COVERED in clay. We hadn’t anticipated it being quite so messy, but it was a very fun project. We watched the classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer movie, put some cookies out for Santa (Xander is embracing the themes, because he made them into the shape of a snowman) and then the boys went to bed.
stockings for all of us 
Xmas moorning stockings 
xmas morning presents 
Fancy charcuterie board! 
So cliche, but true- he’s playing in the BOX! 
LEGO MASTER
Xander woke up at 5am, and, as we’d discussed, he did NOT get out of bed. He did, however, yell for me until I got out of bed. He and I snuggled in his bed for about an hour. I did not want to be up that early, but Xander is a cool kid and I love hanging out with him. He’s funny and silly and I love talking to him. We’ve got a new thing where I give him 3 nouns (I try to be specific like an animal, a family member and a place) and ask him to make up a story incorporating all 3. Initially I thought it would be a good skill for him to develop, but it’s turned into such a fun game and I LOVE his stories. He’s so clever and smart and he always surprises me.
Finally at 6am, I said we could get up. Augustus woke up and we all headed downstairs to check out what Santa had left. Santa left crumbs behind on our cookie board, he left stockings jam packed with candy and gifts. He left piles of presents for both boys. Finally at 6:30, once Grandma and Daddy were both awake, the boys got to open presents and they were so excited about everything. There were a lot of legos, remote control cars, science kits, and more.
After pancakes (Gussie wanted a Christmas surprise pancake, “not something we’ve had before”), Danny and Heather arrived. They brought an ENORMOUS charcuterie board that they covered with smoked salmon, cheeses, meats, olives, pickled beets and beans, and crackers. My mom made 2 different amazing hot dips and 17 bags of chips and crackers. I made stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, chicken wings, meatballs, veggies and fruit. Nate made old fashioneds (on Christmas, it’s acceptable to have a cocktail at 10am!). We also had “un chocolat” as requested by Xander, and I had strawberries, cookies, marshmallows, bananas, and rice krispie treats to dip in the chocolate fondue. Xander taught us to say strawberry in french (fraise).
We spent the afternoon eating and playing. Gussie, Heather, Danny and Nate played Mario Cart on Nintendo Switch while Xander put together 2 huge lego sets.
It was an absolutely perfect Christmas season and ideal day. I am exhausted but so happy. Xander is on vacation from school, so we have a full week to play with new toys, relax, take down Christmas decorations, and then we get to hop on an airplane and visit with the Whiteds for Christmas round 2!
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas (a little early)!!
