California Christmas

Happy Christmas week!

This has been the busiest holiday season that we've ever had by far. I really can't believe that Christmas is just a few days away. I know I mentioned in the last post that I'd share our holiday photos, but I'll get that post together tonight and have it up tomorrow for you guys. I wanted to share our California Christmas and the week leading up to it because I have a couple of last minute gift ideas for you all if you are in need of something and short on time.

Even Darth Vader gets in the holiday spirt around here!

I love when we get some baked goodies from friends. And just in case you were wondering, they we delicious! Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite and the holiday-themed sugar cookies are a close second! I'm so easy to please when it comes to cookies. 

As a gift to my dad, who loves to play golf, the kids colored and decorated golf tees and golf balls. So if you are in need of a gift for a golf lover, here you go. The kids loved getting to scribble and draw pictures for their papa.

This is my favorite that Rory drew. I love his snowman!

Next up are the canvas bags that Rory and I made for his teachers. But these can easily been done for anyone. Since writing is a huge focus at school for Rory, I thought it would be a cute idea to make alphabet-themed bags. I wrote out the alphabet, omitting the letters of his teachers' last name. Rory then wrote in the missing letters.

If this is something you want to do, it's super easy! I got the canvas bags at Michael's for a few dollars and used fabric makers. I like the markers because they are much easier to write with than paint or even paint pens. I taped off the bag to create squares for each letter to help keep the letters straight and somewhat evenly spaced. I eyeballed this step.

You can see that Rory is writing in the letters of his teacher's last name with his favorite color, green, which happens to coordinate with Christmas.

Rory's class had a holiday party the last day before winter break. This is a great idea for making gingerbread houses. The kids frosted the sides of a single-serving milk carton and then used graham crackers as the walls and roof.

They also decorated cookies, made ornaments and a foam picture frame for their photo with Santa. The day before, they had a Polar Express experience which included wearing jammies to school, watching the movie, drinking hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus!

Rian's little toes peeking out the end of the blanket just kill me. I just want to snuggle those little feet!

That night the kids and I packed up and got us ready to leave for California the next day. We had our suitcases ready in the entryway and the next morning we found Ralphie waiting for us. 

Yes, Ralphie, you can go to California with us as long as it's ok with Santa and you understand that we have to touch you so you will loose a little bit of magic. But I promise you it will be a magical adventure.  

And there you have it... 12 pairs of sunglasses, 11 "Are we almost there yet?", 10 types of snacks, 9 Christmas songs, 8 crayons, 7 winter accessories, 6 pillow & blankets, 5 snackeez refills, 4 bags, 3 suitcases, 2 Rudolphs, and a partridge in a pear tree an elf!

Taking a quick nap before our nephew, Jake's Christmas performance.

And a quick us-ie!

That night Ralphie decided to stay in my parents' village. I guess it reminded him of the North Pole.

And well I guess it really wouldn't be Christmas without a broken ornament courtesy of Rian.

Enjoying a gift during our Christmas with Randy's family.

Putting together a new transformer a rapid speed.

I have no words.

Then it was back to my parents for Christmas on repeat. Mommy, this is from Clyde!

And while Rory ripped into his gifts, Rian just wanted to play with an old farm set from my mom's toy supply.

 She finally decided that she would open her gifts.

And the one item on my wishlist was the dutch oven. And I scored! But the biggest surprise were my Hunter boots! Leave it to my mama! I'm still in shock that these are under the Christmas tree and I can't wait to put these on with the cute boot socks that my MIL gave me!

And just like that our California Christmas was over! A huge thank you to our families for everything that we received. We are truly blessed and incredibly grateful for each and everyone one of you!

I hope you enjoyed your stay at Nama and Papa's Ralphie!

The kiddos spent the road trip home fast asleep all snug in their beds carseats.

And the next morning, we found Ralphie all snuggled up with Santa,

We had a great time and are super excited that we got to start our Christmas a week early! I'll see you guys tomorrow with our holiday photos...I promise! Until then, I hope you have a great day!!!

xoxo
-aMie