More Holiday Fun

• Tanner had his holiday program last week. They sang, played instruments, dressed in their finest (this was difficult to find in Tanner's wardrobe of football jerseys and sweatpants....) and wore Santa hats. Too cute. I was afraid that he wouldn't go up to perform, but he did great and was so proud of himself. My favorite was when they sang "Shalom" and the kids all put their arms around each other and swayed to the music. I have to admit, I got a little teary.

• Brian was putting Faith to bed the other night and she called him in because she wanted a kiss. He leaned down to kiss her and she smacked him on the lips and said, "Now we married, Daddy!" (OK.... so this story isn't holiday themed, but it was so cute I wanted to remember it so had to post it here before I forget)

• Jake had a sleepover with his friend Sean. They watched "The Rookie" with Dennis Quaid. I love that my son already appreciates the joy of a good sports movie....

• Tanner had his first sleepover at Nana's house. He was so excited! He had been asking about it for weeks, so we decided to plan it for the night that Sean was sleeping over. He packed up his backpack with all his "guys" (3 monkeys, 3 penguinos), jammies, his blankie, etc... and was ready hours before Nana arrived. He kept putting on his backpack (which is nearly as big as he is) and walking around the front room with it asking when Nana would arrive. I guess they had a great time together- it is so special to me that Mom gets this one-on-one time with my kids. They all adore her and I think it will be tough on them when she goes back to Tahoe in April/May.

• Faith was no so happy about Tanner's sleepover. She kept crying for her "bruddah" and even woke up in the night asking for him (even though she has never called out for him before). When I put her to bed she was crying and said, "Tanna is NEVER coming home!" Poor thing. She can't wait to be next, though, for her chance at a sleepover in January.

• Brian and I had a great "date night". Several weeks ago we decided to get a babysitter and we used the 3 hours to get everything ready for Christmas. We packed up all of the presents, wrapping supplies, ipod, etc.... and took it to my mom's house. We made a bunch of snacks, turned on holiday music, and got everything wrapped and organized. This has definitely been the "no stress" holiday.

• I baked up a storm last Sunday. Mom and I planned to bake together but what really happened was I got several hours to bake while Mom entertained Tanner and Faith and Brian and Jake watched football! I made two kinds of Chex Mix, thumbprint cookies, toffee bars, and mexican wedding cakes. Nothing like holiday baking to get you in the Christmas spirit.

• Kim, Bill, Abby, and Aidan arrived on Tuesday night. Lisa, John, Quincy, and Jessa arrived last night. The cousins are in heaven playing together and are all sleeping together in the boys' big bedroom. Even Faith joined the sleepover last night on an air mattress on the floor.