Winter Break, Part One

Our winter break has been weird this year because Will got out of school a week before Henry did, which means that Will is back in school this week while Henry is still on break. We're making the most of it by planning activities tailored for each kid!

Will got out of school way back on December 15 at noon and asked to go to Little Matt's for a special lunch.

We also visited the science museum one morning.

And Will got to ride on the Birdly VR machine! The museum has changed the height restrictions several times, so this was the first time he has actually met the height requirement. He loved flying but said it was really tough.

Much of Will's break looked like this.  Books + dog = pure joy.

With Henry finally on break as of December 22, the boys delighted in new Christmas gifts from Gramma and Grampa. Will tested a building to see if it was earthquake-proof and Henry sported some pretty fancy glasses from his new disguise kit.

We braved the zoo one morning last week. It was only about 43 degrees, so we were bundled up! 

Sad faces because the waterfall was off.

After our zoo visit, we went back to Gramma and Grampa's for red beans and rice and krumkake. It wouldn't be the Christmas season without this Danish treat! My dad has been making it for as long as I can remember.

Another holiday tradition is visiting the train display at Second Baptist Church. 

Two of my favorite buildings -- the Christmas Bread Bakers where they make stollen (a German sweet bread that we enjoy every Christmas!)

and the library!

It's always more fun with the cousins!

 These two! 

Whether you're back at school or still on winter break, I hope your days have been filled with family fun!

'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.