This past weekend was filled with bits of Christmas cheer. I would say that the weekend before Christmas is always the busiest for us, but by far one of the most fun!

On Friday night Justin went out to see the new Star Wars movie with some friends, so I used that time to ice cupcakes and finish up my Christmas wrapping. Me, Friday night TV, a glass of red, and a pile of presents...not a bad Friday night if you ask me.

Saturday morning we had our annual Breakfast with Santa with Justin's side of the family. All 12 of us go for breakfast and then we all have our picture made with Santa.  With the kids getting older, breakfast is getting harder, but of course, more entertaining!

After breakfast I made my run to the grocery store to grab last minute items for the Christmas cocktail that we hosted on Saturday night.  Before we knew it, 6:00 rolled around and friends and family came over to eat, drink, and be merry (Christmas)! We had such a fun time catching up with everyone. It amazes me how much this party has changed over the years. I started having a cocktail where everyone could dress up when I was in college and now we have our kids playing and running around. My how times have changed, but WE LOVE IT!

On Sunday morning I had my second day teaching the two year old's at church. We read the Nativity Story and made angels for them to take to their parents for Christmas. They loved having something to give their parents for Christmas.

When I got home, Justin and I picked up a bit and then my family came over for our annual cookie baking day.  We each made cookies to share and they all turned out delicious!  We also watched the Panthers take home their 14th win for an undefeated season so far, and then watched some of our favorite Christmas movies. These times with family are priceless memories for the adults and kids alike! We are so blessed.

Here was the cookie line up:

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Biscotti
Christmas Crack

Caramel filled Snicker doodles
Black Bottoms

....and my mom made thumbprint cookies and kiffel at her house that we will indulge in on Christmas!

By the time everyone left on Sunday night, Justin and I barely made it to bed before we crashed, but every moment of the weekend was so worth it!

Now its only three days until Christmas!! It comes faster and faster every year! Merry merry, y'all!

Linked up here and here!

A Night on the Polar Express

Today my sister celebrates her 28th birthday! Happiest birthday to the girl I've known the longest! She's an incredible mother, loving wife, fun sister, dedicated cheer coach, and so much more. I am blessed to have her!  

Last night we went to Polar Express night at my SIL and BIL's club. We were so excited that they invited us to join them and my nephew since we never got tickets to one of the other local Polar Express nights. Ty is the perfect age for it and this might was such fun for him and Callan; and Elena didn't have a bad time either. ;) When we arrived, we picked up out train tickets at the Polar Express booth then headed to the dining room for dinner. So much yummy food. This was such a weeknight treat for us... No cooking and clean-up for me and a buffet of goodies to choose from!

When it was our turn for the train ride, we gathered the kids and headed to the boarding area where it was snowing. Ty and Callan LOVED the snow! Nothing like 70 degree weather and snow. Olaf would've been in heaven! 

The trains pulled up and we loaded in. Our ride to the North Pole included bridges, lanterns, and water, as well as views of the golf course. 

After we got back from the ride, the kids were able to see Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Unlike our Bass Pro visit, Ty walked right up to Santa and sat in his lap. Then he invited Elena to join him. 

When Santa asked what he wanted he told him, "a present." I asked him if he still wanted a guitar, which he's said from the start, but he replied, "No, I want a present."  Toddlers crack me up. 

We had an awesome time traveling on the Polar Express and seeing Santa. Only a week until Christmas!!   

sleigh rides and cider

Dear Ty,
It has been a VERY busy month! We have done so many things to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Earlier this month, Uncle Chip came to NC and everyone came over to our house to spend the day baking Christmas cookies and hanging out! All of your aunts and Mamang (and me) make all types of Christmas cookies-- lemon ricotta, peanut butter buckeyes, oreo balls, almond butter, black bottoms, just to name a few!  It was so much fun being together while you and Elle played.

That night we went to Sleigh Rides and Cider at Historic Oakview Park. When we got there they told us sleigh rides were canceled, but we were still able to go to the petting zoo and it was your second time seeing Santa.  Also, there were some Christmas carolers caroling.  Ninang Di wanted to be in the caroler group!

You and Elle got to take a picture with Santa together and you did NOT like it! We all thought you were so cute, but I know you were really not happy!

It was such a fun memory with your aunts, Uncle Chip, grandparents, and cousin!
I love you babaloo













,
Mommy