Snow, Statues, and Cookies

we had our first snow this week! it didn't accumulate to much, but parker kept pointing outside grunting, and ainsley flew down the stairs to see the snow as soon as she woke up. last night it rained allll night- and I was just looking outside thinking "really rain? can't you be your colder form?" 

Ainsley had her Christmas Program this week. She has been singing songs around the house for weeks, so I was optimistic for this years performance. However, her and her friend Liam were the only two kids who did not participate in singing. Julie and I were cracking up at our kids blank faces and statue like stance. When Mom asked her why she didn't sing, ainsley told her " I just wanted Mommy to come hug me". So of course I did:) She enjoyed doughnuts and punch afterwards, and we enjoyed a fun lunch with Nanny and Pop. 

ainsley's cheering squad

parker clapping for sissy 

 We also went to our friend's The Stearleys house to make Christmas cookies. Ainsley and Tate bickered like brother and sister (they are too close in age). But they had a great time making cookies and then eating them with some hot cocoa. 

Last night while we were saying our prayers Ainsley thanked God for Jesus. and His birthday. then asked me what Jesus would want for Christmas (what a loaded question!). I told her that I thought Jesus would want our love, because He loves us. and Ainsley said "for his birthday? from me??" it was a very sweet conversation, and my heart swelled that she is starting to grasp the meaning of this holiday I love so much.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Let's do a quick recap.  thanksgiving was uneventful, which was nice since it was full of sickness last year. Philip worked the holiday and days surrounding it, so I packed up the kids and dog and spent a few nights at my parents:) i'm sure it wore them out but it was so wonderful being there and spending time with them. As much as kids love being there, I think Jackson loves it the most.  here are some pictures to highlight the month I failed to blog. 

Ainsley's 3 year preschool pics 

Ainsley and Jack playing dress up 

dinner with this one is never boring

this picture is all too familiar... 

I told her she got one lick, so she made it a good one

we celebrated Joy's birthday 

she helped me bake. in her soccer cleats. no pants. 

I took her to see the Trolls movie 

see the button ? it summons the waitress. said waitress asked my daughter to stop pushing it. 

passed out in his high chair after thanksgiving lunch 

Now, on to the good stuff-- Christmas!!! Again, I will highlight our seasonal adventures so far with pictures. 

helping Pop put the angel on their tree 

again, no pants.

we have one like this of Ainsley 

Martinkovic Christmas Party- the kids beating up on Jeff 

Georgetown Christmas Parade 

painting ornaments at Mad Potter 

Meeting Santa! Ainsley is pulling parkers collar backwards here 

cookie decorating 

besties 

her school craft- a christmas tree out of a sugar cone 

Tonight, we took baths early, put on our new Christmas pjs, attempted some pictures, then drove around the neighborhood looking at Christmas Lights. We made special purple hot chocolate (courtesy of Grandma Joy) and Ainsley loved seeing all of the lights. We told her people put lights out so Santa can find their house. So any house without lights, she made sure we knew Santa would not find them lol. 

Yay! it is officially Christmas Season and I could not be happier. What makes me the most happy, is how much BOTH my kids are loving it this year. Parker wants the tree on, always. and if the tree in the window isn't on when he wakes up he stands pointing and grunting at it until you turn it on. Ainsley hops out of bed each morning to open her Christmas box and put her character on her manger advent calendar. It's truly just such a JOY to experience Christmas with these two.