Preschool Please

 These two preschoolers get to visit Nana very often. They raid her fridge and sit in the corner in "Their room" watching YouTube videos on my phone while I chat with Nana.

 These two had their Christmas performance at school. I couldn't go because I was teaching, but everyone else was there to see them sing and feel special in their matching dresses!

 My preschool good a field trip to Coco's to have a Christmas tea party and see all of Coco's special music boxes and decorations. These kids are just the most precious little souls. So sweet and innocent. I love their kind hearts and big smiles.

This group had an impromptu "flower party." A bin of craft supplies was the extent of the planning. They were in glitter heaven.

Another Wave of Nutcracker Fans

 Freestone's last performance, I got to watch with Bruce and Marlene. I saw 5 of the 8 performances, and chaperoned kne. For the 8 understudy performances, Scott has chaperoned twice. I'm sitting in my car during the third-to-last performance, on Christmas Eve at noon, waiting for Freestone. It's been so much fun. Nobody wants it to end.

Aforementioned PC Overnighter

Looking for Christmas calm, I took a bunch of kids to PC Wednesday night. We shopped at the outlets, and has a crock pot full of food to simmer once we got to the condo. Except I forgot the key. So we came home. Fail!! The next night, just Ptolemy and Tziporah accompanied me on my second attempt at relaxation. This time, we drove up the back way, nestled in, made pigs in a blanket and read by the fire for hours. We'll, I did...After the kids crashed. I'll call that a success.

King/Bazail/Chambarlides Festivities

A lovely brunch with the Kings, Barber/Bazails and the new addition, Heidi and Pierre's family. They're here for the holidays with Sarah and Roland, so it was fun to put them into the cousin gift exchange and spend some time together. The kids, even though they didn't know each other before, melded together effortlessly. There was a fresh new batch of my now-ubiquitous gingerbread houses. I even decorated one after the party ended. It was fun and therapeutic! You always think you're going to slow down once everything is done, but it never is. I don't mind. I think it's my own fault. I'm terrible at slowing down. I rushed in the door with an hour to spare between Nutcrackers, barking out orders. We knocked out 16 gingerbread houses and two breakfast casseroles in 20 minutes. That made me feel much more prepared for the party, before scooping up some kids and driving to Park City for the night while Scott took Ruby to dinner during the next Nutcracker. The next morning, we were home, rested, with plenty of time to spare - a minute, at least, before the party.

It was fun to just relax and eat all the good food. Heidi brought quite a spread of cheeses and meats. Tricia went over the top with drinks. We had enough Coke Nog for an army, which is exactly how much you should have.  The kids all loved their gifts, everyone was happy and content, and the party ended with a handshake deal between Heidi and Ruby about a nanny job. Looks like Ruby will be moving to Miami in June! I am grateful. We could not ask for a kinder, more generous family for her to nanny for. An answer to prayers. My heart is full of gratitude this season.

Tziporah

"I love being home alone. It's fun. Whenever I'm home alone, I watch princess videos, or if the computer won't let me, I just do nothing."

No, she doesn't stay home alone
 In a big family, the wistful daydreams about solitude start early! It's so funny the yarns Tziporah spins for herself. Her imagination is rich, precious girl. 

Still, Still, Still

I love playing music, especially with friends. Our neighborhood night of music is always beautiful, and I love participating whenever I'm asked. Brianna, Jennifer and I played Still, Still, Still.

Meanwhile, the cousins were decorating my latest batch of Graham cracker shacks at Grandma's. I really have the system down for mass producing these little cottages.

Elliosn played trumped and sounded just beautiful. I love her tone and musicality! The best part of the holidays is the music...Or maybe the friends and family. :)