Christmas Ramp-Up

Our elf on the shelf hasn't made an appearance before, but this year he showed up because Hazel showed an interest.  After reading the book, Hazel named him Lollie.  He's been very motivating!  Grayson really gets a kick out of him too.  He calls him "Lala" and points him out several times a day.  

We've done a fair amount of Christmas shopping online, but we've been out a few places too, like Firewheel Mall.  It's nice to have a mall within 10 minutes, especially when it has a huge tree that the kids like!

These peppermint drop cookies were a bit high maintenance because I'm used to our regular chocolate chip cookies, but these were too cute to not make!  My Primary girls loved them.

We also got our letter to our Santa so he would know all of our wishes!  I had to try and broaden Hazel's list because the one item she's been saying she wants is a unicorn that gives her whatever she wants.  I have to admit... it's kind of a genius idea for a Christmas present... if only it were possible.

I also don't know too many big sisters who choose to write something for their brother as the first thing on their list.  What a sweetheart.  I especially love the "party shoes" idea (because she is a social butterfly after all), and I love how she writes her name almost as a mirror image when she writes with her right hand.  

We've also been reading the scriptures, playing with our little Nativity, and watching videos to remind us of the true reason for the season.  I would be sad if they didn't know why we celebrate Christmas!  We'll soon go to Beaumont with the Hayes side for a week to celebrate, and we're so excited!