End of Year Happenings

Camille needed an eye exam. Luckily, she has a very small prescription that the doctor isn't too worried about. For now, no glasses. But, if she complains about her eyes or if they seem to bother her, then I have the prescription and I can get her glasses as needed.

We worked hard as a family to finish this puzzle from the Hale's! It was a lot of fun. We really enjoy family puzzle time. Claire and Ben in particular really get into it. It's a fun thing to do when we have zero plans (my favorite kind of plans)!

Guess who lost her front tooth! It makes me sad because in my mind it means she isn't a little girl anymore. This is big girl stuff! Oh, the bittersweet feelings of my youngest growing up.

Perhaps it is becoming a tradition, but we went to the mall and played arcade games (even I enjoy this place, and that is saying something. It is so much fun!)

The girls rode the zebra around the mall. I can't believe how much pure joy they get from something so simple.

And ended our trip at SeaQuest.

Then, we started perhaps a new tradition. Crepes and breakfast casserole for New Year's Eve dinner. The girls were super stoked as they think crepes are the most wonderful thing in the world. I wanted dinner to be something special, but I also didn't want anything too difficult. We don't go all out for New Year's, and this year I am so grateful for that!  Christmas is so much work- it exhausts me. The idea of going all out for New Year's as well makes me very, very tired. So, this is a pretty simple but still fun thing for us.

 Oh, and homemade cinnamon rolls for dessert. YUM!

Then we did a Netflix countdown, popped some poppers, and sent the  kids to bed with a "See you next year!"

Hard to believe 2018 is already done. Time just keeps going faster and faster....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Celebrating Christmas

Dear Santa Claus,

I've been trying my best to be good but I am not perfect. All I want for Christmas is a pet hedgehog. I don't care if it is a girl or a boy. My sisters also want a hedgehog. We don't care if we share a hedgehog or we each have or own.

-Claire

 Marriott Girls,

I hope you are not too disappointed about not getting a hedgehog. I know how much you wanted one. I brought you many other toys which I hope you enjoy and are grateful for.

Giving pets for Christmas is very tricky. I need to be certain the child, and the parents, want a pet and will take care of it. Your parents are still a little reluctant about getting a pet and need some more tie. When they are ready, I am certain a pet will come. Be patient and loving to prepare.

Thank you for the milk and cookies. Rudolph says thank you for the carrot.

Sincerely,
Mr. C

 The girls picked out a computer game for dad, and the girls all got fanny packs for an upcoming trip to Disneyland.

Audra is such a tween- clothes for Christmas!

The Hale's spoiled us with a game, puzzle, and paper dolls!

Then we had a breakfast of Aebelskivers to honor my dutch heritage:

For lunch, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for more Christmas fun!

And To All A Good Night!

I Love These Sweet Girls!

Gingerbread Houses

Normally I totally cheat and buy a gingerbread making kit from Bed, Bath and Beyond for the gingerbread houses. I am not at all ashamed of this- there are some things I care more about than others when it comes to Christmas, and gingerbread houses are not high on my priority list for this incredibly busy time of year (though I know I many of you go all out, and that is also awesome! It just isn't me).

But, this year they raised the price on them, so I decided to go old school and do what we did growing up: the graham cracker houses.

I am not going to lie- this was so much more fun! The girls got so creative and really got into it- making mailboxes and water fountains and swings. I even got into it! I found a great frosting recipe that actually held the house together, so we didn't need to use hot glue like the last time we did graham crackers, or melted sugar which we used growing up (and which destroyed many pots).

It made a mess, but it really was fun. I just love these girls so much, and I love creating all of these memories with them!

 Ben helped for about 5 minutes and then gave up. The mess was too much for him.