The Maddox Ark: December Fun

Love the month of December with so much to do with the kids. This year was especially fun given their current ages (2 and 3 1/2). They really got into all the fun and we did too. Here are some of our favorite pics from December.

Our new singing advent calendar from Nana and Pop. The kids loved doing this first thing every morning to find their candy. At about Dec. 18th, I realized there was no more candy. Sneaky little rascals.

Shopping for our tree started at a tree lot, which was so fun for the kids. They loved running thru all the rows of trees.

Ended the night at Nob Hill to get a really good deal.
Funny story...We picked out our tree and headed inside to pay. When we came outside to load the tree in our car, we realized another family had picked out the same tree and was loading it into their car. We had to scramble to find another one. It ended up needing some serious trunk surgery (sawing at home), but turned out great.

Elf on the Shelf made his debut this year. When I first read the story to Roman, he was very concerned with the elf coming to life at night. He asked dozens of questions and then wanted to check on the elf to make sure he hadn't come to life yet. This is my very "literal" boy. I told him that the elf would never come into his room at night and he grew to love him by the next day. I definitely lacked creativity compared to a lot of other friends, but realized the kids were simply happy to wake up and run to find the elf each morning. This picture was a day when the elf left them Christmas shirts to wear. They still ask where the elf went and when he is coming back.

Paisley loved the tree and asked for the lights to be plugged in every morning. We got her a Winnie the Pooh ornament this year. After opening it she immediately wanted to hold it. Jason told me not to give it to her since it was fragile, but I told him what was the point if she couldn't enjoy it. One minute later, it is dropped and both his ears fell off. I laughed and loved it even more since it reminded me even more of her being a toddler. So now her 2 year ornament has no ears and she loves it just as much.

Roman loved the movie The Grinch, so we got him a grinch ornament. It was always one of my favorite movies growing up too.

Cooking Club Couples Holiday Party

Cheers!

The kids loved all the lights and decorations this year, so we headed out to Livermore to the BIGGEST and craziest display in the Bay Area, Deacon Dave's. Fun, festive and funky!

Even Santa and Mrs. Claus was there. Definitely worth the drive to experience it all.

Fun to spend the night with the Bucklews.

Ellie looking so cute!

Enjoying playing with Pop's train.

A special night at the Rohrlicks celebrating Hanukkah. Jen gave us a good lesson on the holiday and the significance of lighting the candles each night.

Roman took the lighting very serious.

A day in Downtown Walnut Creek visiting the tree, Santa and taking a ride on the trolley.

Roman was thrilled to meet Santa this year and give him his list. Santa even took the time to read it to Roman. It melted my heart. Paisley on the other hand was very hesitant (not surprising), but held back the tears. Go Girl! I'm sure next year will be all smiles (I hope)