Holiday Fun

December is always such a crazy month but so much fun at the same time. Saturday was baking day at our house. Ryland and I made 18 loaves of banana nut bread, a batch of chocolate chip cookies, a batch of chocolate crinkle cookies, and dunked pretzels and peanut butter crackers in almond bark. We had so much fun. Ryland loves to help cook so we had a blast. The only bad thing was that the weather outside was nearly 80 degrees so the warmth outside on top of the oven running from 1:30 to 6:00 made for an extremely hot house, but we all managed and enjoyed it.

Saturday evening Leland and I went to the local symphony performace of the Nutcracker. The Midland ballet performed also. We had a very nice date. One of the adopted grandmothers from church came over and watched the kids for us so everyone had a nice evening. (thanks Max Ann!)

Yesterday my in-laws drove into town and met us at Furrs after church. We then opened presents with them at the house. Of course the kids loved everything. Ryland has really been into pirates for awhile now (hence the Halloween costume) so Sandy's mother made him a pirate vest and booty bags that were filled with coins and jewelry. Raylee was REALLY into the jewlery. I think I've got a bling girl on my hands. They also got lots of pirate gear - noise making sword and gun, looking glass and patch. Lots of fun had by all yesterday afternoon. Thanks again for everything Lee and Sandy.

We then got another present, the kids went home with my in-laws. :) They love to be spoiled by grandparents so they were excited. Sandy will return on Tuesday with my urchins. I'm excited for the break but will be glad to see them tomorrow.

It is obvious it is the final week before Christmas at our house. Last night we enjoyed dinner and light looking with several of our friends; tonight is a wedding in Abilene; tomorrow is the journalism Christmas party; Wednesday is Ryland's program and party at "school";Thursday is a meal with some other friends; Friday is Christmas at our house; and Saturday we are headed to my parents to spend a couple of days with my family. Such a crazy time of year, but it is all fun and good to see everyone.

Have a great holiday everyone!