The start of the Christmas season!

We are back to the grind this week, but it seems more bearable knowing that the count-down to Christmas break is on.  The kids are so excited about the Christmas season and loving all that goes along with it.  Christmas will feel a lot different since we aren't in our own home this year, but Gigi and Papa's house looks extra festive and the kids helped us decorate the Christmas tree and put out some outdoor lights on Sunday afternoon.

They are loving watching Christmas movies, reading Christmas books and listening to Christmas music.  Everyday they are excited to talk to Santa or the Elves on the Hallmark "Communicator" that Gigi gave them this year and also look forward to their chocolate advent calendars.  Our Elf on the Shelf, Elfie, arrived this week and has been making his way around the house each day.

I'm thankful the girls are also celebrating the real meaning of Christmas.  Monday afternoon I found them acting out the Christmas story...complete with a Lalaloopsy doll as baby Jesus and their stool turned upside down as a manger. I was cast as the role of all three Wise Men so I played along too.  They were so cute!

Tonight we had Handley's end of the season cheerleading party.  The girls had fun running around, doing crafts and eating pizza.  They also got their trophies which Handley was excited about since it was her "biggest trophy" yet!