December life

I always love December and getting ready for Christmas and just all the fun that the season brings. This year was a little different since I was still in quite a bit of pain but I was trying to manage it. I was not able to be as involved with a lot of the things that I usually am involved with. Like I didn't even make caramel popcorn this year. It was a different Christmas season for me but I hope it was just as magical for the boys as it ever is. 

Gigi helped Wyatt build this foam Christmas scene that she bought for him to do. He had wanted help with it so when they came over one afternoon she sat down and helped him get it put together. 

We also had the rest of Emmett's basketball season. 

I think he will enjoy it even more next year. 

Then it was time for Brandon's office party. 

This year the office party was another ugly sweater party but also a white elephant gift exchange. So we had Qdoba cater and Brandon and I got stuff to do another Italian Cream soda bar. It was quite a bit to handle with my back not being all better yet. However, it was a success and everyone seemed to have fun. It sure is nice not having to do a party like this on my own. haha 

Great Wolf Lodge! 

We took the kids to Great Wolf lodge to start their Christmas break. The boys were super excited!! 

Had to get a picture of the boys in front of the Christmas Tree it was after all less that 10 days till Christmas. 

While the boys played mini golf, rock wall climbing and the ropes course Kayden just wanted to play in the arcade. He would not leave this racing game area. Anytime someone came over and sat in the one next to him he would talk to them and call them his friend. haha It was pretty funny! 

Ethan and Wyatt really enjoyed the ropes course. 

Then they all played some mini golf together. 

Then Wyatt was off to go rock wall climbing. 

He is the only one of our boys that really enjoys it. The other two don't really care for it and Kayden is too little. haha Emmett tried it once but I don't think he even got up the first foot holds. He got too nervous. After playing for a while we called it a night and headed up to the room to pop some popcorn and let the kids watch something for a little bit before going to bed. 

The next morning we ate some breakfast and then went swimming. 

Sadly, I didn't get many pictures of us swimming. I couldn't really get in the water because of my back I couldn't swim around. I had gotten some extra strength pain killers before our trip and they were helping but I still couldn't go on the slides or do much of anything. I walked around following Kayden and helping him in the water while Brandon went on the slides with the older boys. Next time we go I better be all healthy and not in pain so I can have fun with the kids instead of just watching them have fun. 

After a few hours of playing in the water the kids were done and wanted to go play mini golf and rocking climbing again before leaving. 

We also squeezed in some bowling. Kayden was exhausted by the time we were bowling. So he was acting out like crazy and super grumpy because all he wanted to do was go sit at the steering wheel in the arcade. Before we knew it our stay at Great Wolf was over. 

Kayden got a hold of a sharpie and drew all over our sliding glass door and frame. For the next week we ended up finding little balls with sharpie markings on them. Thankfully, that was about it and we didn't find it on any walls. haha 

Look at this cute little boy in his new Mickey jammies. He loves his new jammies. 

Emmett decorated some Christmas cookies! haha That face and those cookies is a scary combination. haha 

We also got to go to the Hansens house for some Christmas activities. 

The kids got to decorate cones to make them look like Christmas trees. 

Then they played in the basement for a little bit before Santa arrived. 

Time to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. 

It was a fun morning. The kids had fun and us adults had fun chatting with each other. 

Right after seeing Santa we took off to the Summit to go bowling and play in the arcade. There was a deal going on so we went with some friends and played for a few hours.

Kayden obviously could care less about bowling. As soon as he got a chance he would run for the arcade. It was a hassle trying to keep track of him. So when bowling was finally done and we let the kids play in the arcade it was a little less chaotic because I could just sit with Kayden in the race games or just follow him around. 

Before we knew it Christmas eve was here. 

We had the cousins exchange just before lunch.

Kayden got a Mickey firetruck and was super excited. He would have been happy with only that for Christmas. Emmett got a game for the switch, Wyatt got a slime making kit and Ethan got a 3D puzzle. 

After presents we did our annual ginger bread (Graham cracker) house making.

Kayden just likes to eat all the candy. haha 

Everyone else had fun decorating and trying to be as creative as possible. I didn't make one this year. I just watched and took a few pictures.

Ethan's finished product. 

Emmett's finished product.

I didn't get a picture of Brandon's this year but it was a good one. 

Wyatt's finished product! 

Then Wyatt tried out his slime making kit. He was not a huge fan. haha I thought for sure he would have enjoyed it more than he did. Oh well, he still had a fun time trying to make it. Even if he didn't want to make anymore after. haha 

Our Christmas Tradition of Nordy's for Christmas Eve. It was delicious and a little chaotic with Kayden trying to go everywhere he wanted and I was not able to help out as much as I normally do. So poor Brandon had to try and wrangle Kayden and get the boys plates of food all ready. It was still tasty and we were all full and happy when we headed home.

Making Santa's cookies.

Brandon had to help the boys make the cookies when the elves dropped off the jar of cookie mix. It sure isn't all that fun just watching everyone do these things. Its a good thing the boys have an amazing Dad who likes to do things with them and who steps up even more while Mom is injured!! 

The last thing to do before heading off to bed so Santa could come was opening up the kids ornaments. 

Kayden got a Mickey sled car. 

Emmett got a backpack that had a K on it for kindergarten and his cute little face.

Wyatt got an elf with a candy cane for a hockey stick. He and Ethan have really liked playing hockey with each other outside. 

Lastly, Ethan got a "Hammer Time" ornament because this kid is always making something or creating something. 

Before we knew it it was time to go to bed. The kids couldn't wait till Christmas morning. Christmas seems to come faster and faster each year! The boys kept telling me that what they really wanted for Christmas was for my back to be better. Wyatt said that all he wanted for Christmas was for my back to be better. All 3 boys mentioned that multiple times throughout December. I feel so lucky to have such sweet boys who want to help out and want me to feel better. It has been a rough go and it makes me sad that I have not been able to be as fun as I normally am. Or really, do much of anything. So when the kids say something about wanting to help out or wishing my back would be better if makes me a little emotional. They are such good boys and I am sure Santa will be good to them this year!