Christmas Shenanigans

The weeks before Christmas were so fun and full of lots of family time. Parker had his Christmas program at school and actually did well! We had no idea what to expect based on past concerts but he sang and did the motions - which is rare for an Overall kid! 

His hand is in his pocket protecting his hot wheels cars he was instructed to keep there. 

That night we had the Annual Overall Christmas Party at our house. I only got a picture of the food which is what happens every year. BUT it was a lot of fun and a good time was had by all. Also JC stole the baby Jesus from my nativity and then wrapped it up for dirty Santa. Insert eye roll. 

Parker finished his first basketball season the next morning while Ainsley cheered him on from the sidelines. He received a trophy and told me he wanted to “play his team again”. 

The Brix family came in from GA and we had Christmas with them at Auntie Jos. Ainsley let Makayla pull her loose tooth which shocked me because she wouldn’t let me near it.









Ainsley still had 3 days of school but they were an exciting 3 days for her. The “elves” took over her school each morning. One morning they took over the intercom and sang songs and decorated the lobby tree with underwear. Then they left a trail of cereal all down the hallways. And the last morning they brought a freakin petting zoo in! 

Philip, Parker and I volunteered at our churches Christmas store- and what an awesome experience. People slept in the parking lot to get tickets to shop for their families. 

It was so awesome and humbling to see people so happy to be able to give their children Christmas gifts. And the amount of donations was just crazy. 

A few more pictures of our time leading up to our Christmases: 

We love having both kids home ( well most the time) and getting to enjoy time family.

Life Lately

You all know how much I love Christmas. By far my most favorite time of the year. We jumped right from thanksgiving into spreading Christmas cheer. I am so happy we put out tree up early this year! 

Ainsley really loves going outside to talk to Mary. 

We built a hot wheels track down the steps. 

We made Grinch Rice Krispies (thanks nanny!). They were easy, super fun and delicious. 


Parker finally quit crying on the bench and has loved playing “his team” as he calls it. Ainsley cheers him on from the sidelines and Parker is seriously a baller. He’s got great hand eye coordination and makes most of the shots he takes. 



We did the kids workshop at Home Depot and they made Santa sleighs. Parker ate some paint. 




These kids- they’re the best. 



We went to Southern Lights with Jordan, Alison and all of our kids. It wasn’t crowded which was helpful as we chased 6 kids around the horse park in the dark. 








We met Santa at Valvoline again this year. Parker told Santa he wanted a shark and Ainsley explained Parker wanted a hot wheels track with a shark in the middle. Ainsley told Santa she wanted a Barbie dream house with a purple slide. 





We had friends over to decorate Christmas cookies. My two kids iced and ate one cookie each while the others had a little more stamina. I’m still finding sprinkles around the house. 






Ainsley went on her first field trip without me to see the movie the Grinch. I know how she is when I’m around, she clings to me and pays attention to no one else. I wanted her to try this on her own and gain some independence. I gave her money for snacks (which she put in her kitty purse), she rode the bus and did so good! I am so proud of her and some mom friends who were there sent me pics and texted me telling how good she was doing. 




Parker had his school Christmas party. It’s his last class in the 2 year old room as they are moving him up to the 3 year olds after Christmas. 



We went to the Christmas party at GGs where they had delicious food, Santa and crafts. Parker fell asleep on the way there, giggles and all. We had a great time and Ainsley thought grandmas “sock helper” was the coolest thing. 



We are counting down the days of school left until Ainsley is on break and home with us. I’m also hoping the temperature drops and snow comes in but that’s looking doubtful. 

We’ve introduced the kids to the “old school” Grinch, Polar Express and Home Alone. They really love the booby traps in home alone. 

Philip and I got all the presents wrapped tonight and are so excited for Christmas morning with the kids!