Christmas Celebration at Henry's school

We attended a sweet little Christmas celebration at Henry's school on Friday. He was so excited to show us everything he does at school and sing for us!

Celebrate...with the Pandas

Anna's class calls themselves the Pandas this year. Today they did a Panda play with a Pandamonium party afterwards to celebrate the holidays! Anna did a great job with her lines, and she was really excited about it!

We made Panda cookies...they weren't my best work, but they came out cute and tasty. We had to use all store bought ingredients due to new school rules. I wished the sugar cookie part was a bit bigger, but oh well! The kids liked them...

Santa sighting on the green...

On Wednesday night we went to the tree lighting in our neighborhood. It was a lot of fun...wild children, pretty music and Santa arrived at the end. Anna and Henry were more interested in playing with their friends...they seem to know EVERYONE these days! Henry did let Santa know that he would like Walkie Talkies please!

Anna's Christmas list this year is somewhat funny. She wrote her entire name, Anna Louise, because "there are probably a lot of Anna's, you know mom" She wrote that she would like an iPod of some sort, American girl furniture and accessories, Big Kid Pajamas (what are big kid pjs???), and books. She had a few particular ones on her list. Then there is Henry's list: a real live train (????) and walkie talkies. We'll see what the big man brings!!!

Rudolph, Luminaries, and the Nutcracker!

This past weekend was busy! We started it off with some Christmas spirit, and we made these Rudolph/Clarice the reindeer pancakes! Anna and Henry were so excited.



Then we finished up some shopping, got haircuts and ended the night in our neighborhood with beautiful luminaries!


Sunday was church and then Anna and I went to the Nutcracker in Durham! It was gorgeous!

Anna's poem

Anna came home with this poem that she wrote at school...

Anna
Happy, Kind, Strong
Who wishes to climb Mount Fuji with her Dad
Who dreams of losing a tooth
Who wants a little sister
Who wonders if she can climb a tall tree
Who likes to play with Emily
Who likes to eat carrots
Who is afraid of the bed falling on her head
Who believes that leprechauns are real
Who worries about animals becoming extinct
Who likes to listen to "Firework" by Katy Perry
Who likes to see her Dad
Who plans to be a veterinarian
Anna Smith

Interesting...isn't it? I should do this for my children each year! It would be so fun to read them later! :)

Lately...

Last week was a busy one...lots going on here and lots to be thankful for. After a very long few weeks, hospital stays, biopsies, etc. we are finally able to put this behind us! Chad had surgery Monday, and we received the best news possible Thursday, NO CANCER! My mom was here with us all week, and we were so thankful for her as well. I feel so thankful for all of our friends and family, and all of the thoughts and prayers from everyone! Thanks! Now we can focus on enjoying this holiday season!

Anna went to a "fancy" themed birthday party Friday night, and she was so excited to have her hair curled and be dressed up! We also made a gingerbread house with leftover Halloween candy that I had saved! We braved shopping on Saturday and finished up a lot of odds and ends for Christmas! It was fun and festive!

Christmas Tree Farm

On Friday we headed out to the Christmas Tree farm to find a tree. We had gorgeous weather, a hayride, bounce house and tons of fun picking a tree! Anna and Henry love all holidays...they helped make a centerpiece for Thanksgiving, grocery shopped and cooked all day Wednesday and thoroughly enjoyed picking a tree!

Anna woke up Friday morning EARLY and said, "Mommy, we get to go pick a tree today!"