Christmas Festivities

Um, yes, I am just now blogging about Christmas. Oops! Better late than never, I suppose. I feel like I've been in a whirlwind since October with Jacob's grandfather's illness and passing, Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law's wedding and all those details, Christmas planning and get-togethers, Levi's 2nd birthday, New Year's and Lily's 3rd birthday. Craziness. 

The later part of last week, we spent at home - relaxing, playing, cleaning, and trying to get organized. 

Here are some pictures of some of the fun things we did leading up to Christmas.

Decorating Memaw's Christmas tree. I love this tradition.

We got a free pass to a drive-thru light show. They had a place the kids could get out and play with "snow," build with these blocks, and see real reindeer. It was such a fun evening! Lily and Levi just loved the lights!

Growing up, we always made goodies for neighbors, family, friends, and church family. It doesn't feel like Christmas if I don't carry on that tradition. In past years, I've done brownie mix in a jar, homemade granola, cookies, and other sweets. This year I decided to do homemade potpourri. I borrowed a friend's dehydrator to dry oranges, lemons, apples, and cranberries. Then we added them with the spices in a little bag. I think they turned out cute, and we enjoyed having some simmering on our stove too!

Out of the dozens of concerts and programs that Jacob played in and conducted, I only took the kids to one youth orchestra concert. It was fun, the music was beautiful, and the kids did well until right at the end. My mom and some of Jacob's family came and they helped me with the kids - such a blessing!

We made sugar cookies together.

Enjoyed one of Uncle Josh's basketball games.

The kids loving Memaw's "boo-ti-ful" tree.