Back to regular scheduled life. The boys went back to school on Monday, while Nate and I were busy with work. The mornings were EARLY this week- they boys were so excited to see what the elf was up to, and hopped out of bed earlier and earlier until we told them they had to stay in bed until 7. It sorta worked.
The elf has been busy doing silly things, bringing treats, and making the boys jump out of bed every morning.
On Saturday, we had our annual gingerbread house playdate with Skylar and Phoebe. This year I made the gingerbread from scratch. In years past, I’ve bought the kits from Target, but many years ago, pre-kid years, Abby and I made gingerbread houses for the entire camp staff for a few years in a row. It took HOURS of hard work. We hand cut out all the pieces. It was a ridiculous project. And every year that I have bought the kits, I felt like I was cheating, because I COULD make the gingerbread from scratch because I have done it before. So finally I buckled down and did it, prepared that I could bail at any point and go to Target at the last minute. But it was easy! I made the dough, rolled it out, cut out the pieces. Boom. I did use hot glue to put the houses together, because using icing is HARD and I needed these houses to go together and be sturdy. The kids took a lot of time this year, creating beautiful masterpieces. Gussie said, “I’m going to put a butt on mine! A Christmas butt” which is exactly what I would expect from him.
After gingerbread houses, playtime, and lunch, Phoebe and Skylar had to leave, and the boys headed to Grandma Debbie’s house for a slumber party. They had a lot of plans- Christmas shopping, movie night, swimming, pickle balling. While they were having a great night with Grandma, Nate and I went to the Edward Jones Christmas party. Many of Nate’s EJ buddies were unable to make it, so the party was sort of a bust. However, the food was great, we had a few cocktails, and were home snuggled on the couch by 8, so actually, that was my ideal kind of party.
I picked the boys up this morning and they spent the entire day playing with Sam- alternating between houses. It was a really nice, low key Sunday.
December has arrived and people need cookies. I like to have shells and plain buttercream on hand so that I can fill last minute orders. I am not a bakery, but when I can help people out, it feels good. So I will be baking in all my spare time.
Bring on the week ahead.