Christmas Fun #3

Christmas is getting closer! The weekend before, we took a trip down to NC to celebrate w/ the cousins. It was busy but a blast! Charlie even got to see Star Wars on Saturday w/ the Lanes. He is so into it but it was sweet that he actually is kind of scared of the movies so was very hesitant to actually go into the theater. It was a good reminder that even as fast as he seems to be growing up, he still is a little boy. He sat right between James and I and we promised to let him bury his head or even walk out if he needed if it got too scary. There were several head burying moments but overall he liked it a lot!

That afternoon we had a nice time w/ the Lanes opening presents.  And the following day we had a cookie-making marathon and presents w/ the Grovers.

Little cramped in the back on the way. Clear why K didn't nap like she was supposed to :/

Opening presents w/ Izzy

Story time w/ Nana and the girls

Making cookies

Mommy demonstrating the proper technique

What Charlie and Sam were doing while this was going down (w/ the new Army set from Nana and Papa)

K helping Gigi w/ sugar cookies

They stopped playing army men for approximately 3 minutes to do this

Presents w/ the Tweedys

K's gift from Aunt Katie

Star Wars Elsa on the attack

Christmas Fun #2

Our weekends in December are busy with all the fun activities and prep for Christmas! This one was no different.

We started off Saturday by writing letters to Santa...

Insisted on "writing" her own like Charlie but I also wrote one that she created verbally for me

Getting a little long :)

Coloring on the one I wrote

Final letters!

Later that day, we participated in the Tacky Light Run.  Charlie was thrilled to get to take his red and green light sabers which entertained him for the 3+ mile walk. The fun crowds and crazy houses along the way were good entertainment too!

Even Nerrington joined!

In front of one of the houses

The big guy was at the finish line! Kerrington was a little scared to get this close.

We got medals too!

Still in her gear the next morning, baking.

 Early on Sunday we got in line to see Santa! We went back to our favorite spot at the run down mall where no one goes. Same Santa was there again this year. He was so kind and took time with both kids to read their letters they brought and talk with them individually. We will be back next year! They were both sweet too. As usual, both a little shy but very excited to meet him.

"I think I see him"

We brought our letters

The final picture!

K's final letter

Charlie's

Afterwards, K and I went to the Nutcracker. Since she was so good at the symphony the prior week (which had much less eye candy), I thought she'd enjoy it and I was right! She sat in my lap the whole time but was very good and loved seeing the "girl dancers." Charlie had been my date last year and when given the choice, opted out this year. Maybe next year we'll bring the whole family again!

Enjoying a cookie at intermission

Selfie at the end (and ready for nap!)

Shoes off immediately in the car

Cheesing outside of the theater

Meanwhile somewhere else in Richmond, these guys had lunch at a sports bar :/

We did some other fun things this busy weekend too. Shopping, playing and making 48 jars of fudge!

Sticky Santa

Fudge!

"Umm, my like it"

Big Girl Bed

It is official! She is a big girl! The transformation started last Fall with saying goodbye to the Mimi, wearing big girl underwear and starting school. I knew this final step was coming but both James and I procrastinated about it for awhile until one Saturday morning James went to get Kerrington out of bed and decided to get his tools out. Ten minutes later and we had a big girl bed! She is so proud and has been great about staying in it. Hoping her brother's awesome big bed behavior is handed down to her too :)

First a final rest in the baby bed...

Big girl bed time (hard to get a non-blurry picture)...