We started off the final month of 2012 right by going tree-hunting on the morning of December 1 and spending that evening with great-grandpa. Living in Florida, it is not often that we get to see him in December - this was a special treat for my entire family.
Bennett and Elly Rose warm right up to him. They, too, know he is special. Just today, for one reason or another I stated to Bennett, "I am your mother."
Changing the subject, he said, "Who is my grandma and grandpa?"
Me: "Memaw, Papaw, Grams and Poppy are your grandparents. Why?"
Bennett: "You forgot great-grandpa. He lives in Florida."
Warms my heart.
We finished off the first weekend in December with tree decorating. Bennett was very focused on this task. There was not stopping him until nearly every ornament was on the tree.
Saturday-morning gingerbread house making. Both littles loved the task of applying (and eating) candy to the rooftop and sides. We displayed them all month. This year the holidays were just that much easier for them to comprehend and discuss...understanding the birth of Jesus, an Elf named Nick joined our family and we found ourselves able to attend holiday parties with greater ease.
We visited the gingerbread house display at Conner Prairie for inspiration and made a couple trips to the Winter Wonderland at the Children's Museum. The slide was a favorite for both babes.
Checking out the big white beard and sharing their wish lists. When asked, Bennett always had the same answer, "Don Crumlin, Becky Wheelin and a flatbed truck with a bulldozer." Elly Rose's answer only varied by type of food - you might get anything from fruit snacks to cheddar bunnies...
Bennett nose-to-nose with a horse following our carriage ride at the annual MHCC Christmas party. Look at Rosie's expression - I don't even think she realized a horse was our transportation until we stepped off the carriage...
FREEZE! Poppy and Elly Rose showing their dance moves. Love her looking up at him!
Bennett modeling his snowman scarf. He literally could not contain himself following the first snow fall. We were staying at my parents house and he was a broken record of, "can we go play in the snow?" It was so cold and windy, but we braved it so he could get it out of his system!
Christmas Eve at my parents' home. We spend the entire day with my family and it is chaotic and magical all at the same time. Both Bennett and Elly Rose adore their cousins and more and more often, we are able to relax and just let them play together.
The out-takes I have of this are hysterical. All happy to sit (gift opening up next!) and smile.
Bennett and big Buzz. A holiday favorite.
Elly Rose conning papaw into sharing his icy punch. She conned anyone and everyone who had a cup into sharing.
Papaw playing santa while the three littlest grandbabies play in Juno's new dog bed (she joined the Prather family in summer 2012).
More fun to come soon.....
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