Today I took the girls to Java Gym, which is basically a huge climbing structure (think McDonald’s play area, but like 10 times bigger) for the kids to play in and they have tables for the adults to sit and drink coffee.   I’m really not a huge fan of places like this because it gets so busy and loud!  The only way I enjoy it is if I go the first thing in the morning and then leave by the time it gets really crazy. I thought I was being really frugal because I had punches left on a card from a Groupon that Andy had bought me a long time ago, but of course it expired December 1.   Oops.

The girls had a ball playing there today and we actually ended up staying for like 3 hours.  It wasn’t that busy and they had Christmas activities for the kids (Santa says and face painting).  It was really nice because Molly is now old enough that she can do the entire thing without my help (her sisters have to give her a boost on a few things).  It used to be such a big workout for me because I would have to climb the entire structure with her and let me tell you it is not make for big people   The girls had a great time and were exhausted when we left.

I can’t believe that we are playing soccer outside a week before Christmas!

We have done a lot of baking the past few weeks, but today we decided to do Sugar cookies and then frost and decorate them.  It was a process, but very fun.  All three girls helped with making EVERYTHING (even the mess).  They had so much fun frosting the cookies after we baked them.  Molly really enjoyed the icing and Abby made sure the entire cookie was covered with both icing and sprinkles.  Andy got home from work while we were icing them and he looked me like I was crazy because there were sprinkles EVERYWHERE!  The girls had so much fun!  Andy gave them all baths and by the time they were cleaned up I had the kitchen and dining room clean too!

*It was hard finding a good pic because Molly was only in her undies for the frosting part of the day and I didn’t think she would like that being up here

Layne had her class Christmas party this morning and it was  a lot of fun.  I brought cupcakes and then everyone got to frost and decorate their own cupcake.  It was interesting watching how each one was decorated… some very organized and others were covered with every topping available.

After cupcakes we played Christmas bingo and then read a great book, “The Legend of the Candy Cane.”

Now it is officially Christmas break and I get to enjoy 2 weeks with my kiddos.

Abby had her Christmas party today in preschool.  She was so excited and has been talking about it all week!  They had a special snack, played Christmas games, made a reindeer craft and then had a Christmas gift exchange.  She was most excited about the gift exchange, but not about getting a gift, but GIVING her gift so someone. 

Layne had her school’s Christmas program last night at Immanuel Lutheran Church and it was beautiful!  She goes to a very small school, but you would never have guessed it by the singing.  Everyone sang loud and clear… it was lovely.  It did get me choked up when the whole school entered with the bell choir playing “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.”

She did an awesome job with her Bible verse and song that the 7 kindergarteners had to say all by themselves.  Way to go Layne!  Way to go ISJ!

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

** I haven’t figured out how to take good pics in a church… all my pics are either blurry or really dark. This is her entire school, minus about 5 kids that I couldn’t fit.  Layne is first row, third in from the left.

Abby has been talking nonstop about rollerblades since the ISJ roller skating party.  So what do you think she got for her birthday???? Rollerblades! I found  a great pair on amazon that are adjustable, so she should be able to wear them for a while.  She’s been “blading” around the house for the past two days, but today was so nice out (is it  really almost Christmas) that she gave it a try outside.  She actually is pretty good.  I think she’ll be flying by next spring, which might not be a good thing because we live on a hill…

I have about 50 pictures of her because she wanted me to take a bunch of pictures of her from sitting to standing position and the she critiqued herself.  What a goofball.

Tonight we celebrated Abby’s birthday with Andy’s side of the family.  Abby really wanted another monkey cake (she had one last year too).  I spent the afternoon decorating the cake with Layne and Abby and then we headed over to the orchard for pizza, cake and ice cream.  I wonder how many years in a row I’m going to be making monkey cakes???

Today was Abby’s 4th birthday and she had so much fun!  We started the day with opening presents (at 6:30 am) and then spent the rest of the morning hanging out.  We had planned on going to church, but ended up having to call poison control a minute before we had to leave, but I’ll save that  story for later.

Abby had her preschool Christmas program in the afternoon and she was beyond excited because she was Mary!  She couldn’t wait to get to church and put on her costume.  She sang all the songs and to really excited when she found us in the pews.  She was so cute waving to us and telling us hi. She looked great!

This morning I took the girls to my parent’s house to make gingerbread houses.  My dad always did this with his class when he was a teacher and I did the same when I taught.  The girls were thrilled to decorate their houses.  Each house has its own personality which fit each girl’s personality.  Molly was more into eating the candy and Abby was into eating the frosting.  I think they turned out great!