TOT

Ten on Tuesday..

1. We are in full on Holiday mode here. The kids are loving all the seasonal magic and every day is embraced in the joyous spirit.  Each morning Makenna Claire searches for Marty our Elf, and then helps Rylan discover where he has flown to.  She talks to him (but knows she can't touch him in fear of losing his magic) and tells him her secrets.  And when Rylan is doing something he isn't supposed to, Makenna is quick to tell him that Marty is watching him.  Ha ha...He's quite the buddy of the month.

2. Second up is the big ol' man himself...Santa Clause, whom we paid a visit to on Saturday morning. Mankenna had quite the extensive conversation with Santa.  "What were you talking about to Santa?"  I asked.  "I can't tell you..it's a secret!!!  You have to wait until Christmas morning when you see what he brings me."  ((Good thing mom and dad were within ear shot for all her Santa visits......two cats, two dogs.  Yep, that is still all she wants.))

3. Throughout the day you will hear MC sing all her preschool winter songs.  Morning, noon and night..."Dreidel..dreidel..dreidel...............  Icy toes, chilly nose, wintertime is here.......Jingle bells, jingle bells..."  She must practice, after all.  She can't wait for her winter performance and would like to invite everyone she knows..literally!  This little girl knows she will have the stage so come one, come all...

4. Last Saturday night, on a spur of the moment, we told the kids to get their Christmas pajamas and that we had a surprise for them.  Their ears perked up with anticipation but not sure if it was a good thing since it was clearly bed time.  Adorning their jams, we headed to the car and took off for hot chocolate and drove around looking at house lights.  Such an little thing but we had soo much fun!! Magic.

photo taken moments after telling them what we were about to do!

5. We are certainly enjoying our Christmas book collection much more this year.  Opening and reading a book each morning has turned out to be a wonderful ritual.  During the day, the kids can be spotted looking through the pages once again.  Come Dec. 26 when Marty has flown back to the North Pole and the book presents are done, they will be in withdrawal.  Although then we'll be making room for those new feline and canine friends, so all will be forgotten.

6.  Oopps..in my lack of blogging lately I forgot to post about our books.  On December 1st, Marty our elf joined our family and he and Santa brought a special stack of presents with a note.

7. Ok..now that's better.

8. Our little family just booked a photo session with the famous Erin Cobb.  WEEEEE..... To say I am thrilled beyond words and so excited, is an understatement.  I have been a huge follower of her career and have learned a lot from her as well.. I can't wait to meet her in person and see her magic first hand.  Images that will adorn our walls for many years, I am sure. Definitely an early birthday present for me.  I will need or want nothing else...

9. Our Christmas card is about to be put in the mail and there is an extra special treat inside!  We couldn't just send out a generic card, now could we???

10. I'm writing this post all the while eating trail mix straight out of a fresh bag and it reminds of being a kid, eating lucky charms.  Ooopss..good thing it's a big bag and I can just toss it up to hide the evidence. (Scott don't read #10..ok? ok. )

night. xoK