Tis' the Season

Well it's that time of year again - when we want to spend more time with our family but somehow spend less.  Our weekends around here are so precious to us because it is the only time that we can be a complete family.  The last two weekends have felt completely rushed.  Although we spent wonderful family time baking cookies, decorating gingerbread houses, putting up Christmas trees, and attempting to shorten the never ending shopping list it has just gone by way too fast.  This is the first Christmas that I have been working so I find myself longing for the lazy days of Christmas past when we could spend all afternoon on a project.  I am really looking forward to having the next couple of weeks off to enjoy with my family and clean out some closets.  I thought I'd share some pictures of our past few weekends.

Caroline was such a good helper when I attempted to make sugar cookies.  It's harder than it looks.  Pam actually figured it out for me and Caroline helped her roll the dough and cut the shapes just right.  She had a good time pouring sprinkles on everything.

I plan on making these Christmas trees with my class this coming week.  I thought they turned out so cute.  I didn't get a picture of our finished gingerbread scene but this year we added three Christmas trees and a fence around the whole house using chocolate covered pretzels.  It was so messy but it turned out cute.

I thought this was the funniest picture.  Cooper has started squinting his eyes when the camera comes near.  He has also started learning body parts lately.  He can recognize his head, eyes, ears, and mouth.  He has really developed quite the personality.  He is really different than the other two that's for sure.