'Tis the Season

'Tis the season for countdown calendars and children waiting impatiently for Christmas to arrive, while parents rush madly around trying to get everything done! It doesn't seem to matter how much time there is between Thanksgiving and Christmas -- Christmas still manages to sneak up on me! We are in countdown mode here, but it still seems like we should have plenty of time left to enjoy December before we actually get to Christmas!  

Here's a peek at some of our favorite holiday traditions:

We always get our tree from Kroger right after Thanksgiving, and this year, we discovered that they can deliver it and set it up! Since we always get a massive 9-foot tree, this was a huge lifesaver!

One of our favorite service projects is the Jingle Bell Express, during which we pack up some 1800 bags of food for families in need. 

Another favorite Scout tradition is the annual sleigh decorating and ride at our December pack meeting.

It wouldn't be Christmas without V&E's annual Gingerbread Party. There are so many activities, but the highlight is always decorating the gingerbread houses.

Our annual family photo at the party

More gingerbread: while Gene and Henry were at a Cub Scout outing at Lake Livingston, Will and I went to the 2017 Gingerbread Build-Off downtown.

One of our favorites was Minute Maid Park in gingerbread.

It's December in Texas, which means we have some warm days (80 degrees) mixed in with chilly days (hey, it snowed this month!). Will bundled up Ruby one day

and Henry loves this cozy reindeer socks when he's not in shorts!

Floppy reindeer antlers = a must-have accessory

Last weekend, Gene baked three batches of cookies!  Raivas are a favorite but they are sure fiddly. Will helped a lot while Henry was at a birthday party.

 Traditional sugar cookies 

And this year, Gene made gingerbread cookies too!

In the middle of cookie baking, Gene also made a meat pie for dinner.

Oh my word, it was so good!

And finally, Henry's winter party this year included bingo, which was a lot of fun and something new.

'Tis the season for cookies and fuzzy socks and so much gingerbread! I hope your December has been merry and bright and that you can enjoy the last couple of days before Christmas.