December is Here!

December is finally here, and we feel super busy since we only have a short time before we leave for our trip. This week started out slow with Soren recovering from being sick, but things picked up and we had a couple cute baking projects this week, a party, and a visit with Santa.

On Monday, we stayed in all day to let Soren rest, so no storytime today. Keira and Soren both enjoyed playing with the new decorations. Within less than one day of the tree being up, Soren had already broken an icicle ornament.





On Tuesday, Keira's school went on a bear hunt, and everyone was allowed to bring a bear from home. Keira had a great time, and has been singing about going on a bear hunt ever since. She made bear themed crafts at school too. I had a presidency meeting while she was at school.




We were able to get out to Maybury before it got dark, and got everyone bundled up. It was great to run in the light outdoors, but it got dark fast. Soren loved seeing the headlights light up on Ryan's truck.

On Wednesday, Soren slept in super late and we missed the library storytime. We hit the gym as soon as we were all awake, and then stopped at the mall to meet up with Valerie, Katie, and Luke. We stayed until Soren needed a nap, as you can see in the last two photos.





On Thursday, I caught Soren being "dangerous" in the kitchen. He loves to stand on these chairs, and it makes us all nervous, plus he can climb up and get more things now.

Keira had Gingerbread Day at school today. She decorated a paper gingerbread house, and was so excited when she learned that we had a gingerbread man cookie cutter (good thing she didn't see remember the whole 3D sleigh with all the reindeer that I put together last year). We did work on my snowmen pops for Ryan's work party in the afternoon. Keira is sporting her gingerbread hat and mitten set outside. I think we will finally be able to get her to wear a hat and mittens this year!



I got them all finished in the evening. They turned our really great!

On Friday, we had a super busy day. We got up really early to be at the gym when the childcare center opened so that Cristina and I could get in a great swim workout. My main accomplishment of today was that I was able to swim the length of the pool without taking a breath. After that, we rushed over to Kindermusik. We were a few minutes late, but it went long, so I am really glad we went. Sometimes if you are late to those, it can be a complete waste since they range from 20-25 minutes long, but this one finished up almost 45 minutes after the scheduled start time.


After that, I dropped Keira and Soren of with Linda so that I could head to Thunderbowl for the BCE Party. Ryan and I are not good bowlers, nor were our teammates (one was a first time bowler), and actually took the honor of lowest scoring team. At least we got giftcards as our prize! Here is part of our team with Ryan's chief (in the Grinch hat).

Soren has also learned to fold his arms. He will do it before mealtime prayers, and when he sees us folding our arms. He isn't super reverent yet, but it is still super cute.

On Saturday, I started the day with a long run with Valerie in the cold. Ryan followed up with a mountain bike ride, and the ground was frozen perfectly for riding. Soren loves playing with the book with a piano built into it, and played with it a ton, which kept him away from the Christmas tree while Ryan was gone.


Afterwards, we headed out to the Dixboro Store for a visit with Santa! Keira was super excited all day long, and kept asking when we were going to see Santa. In typical 3 year old fashion, as soon as we walked into the building, she became very apprehensive. This shot was at home while she was still excited.

Soren cried immediately as we held him towards Santa, but then calmed down once everyone sat down together. This was our best group shot. Both of them look stressed, though.

We were able to get one shot of Soren with Santa in the background, but Keira just wanted to be held the whole time.

Sunday was Stake Conference, so we were able to attend morning church. We sat with Linda during the session, and it was nice to have help with Keira and Soren.
I asked Keira to change dresses after church, and she requested, "one more twirl", so I had to take her picture.

While Soren napped, Keira and I decorated the gingerbread cookies that she had been wanting to do all week.




Soren loves this reindeer. Keira loved it too her second Christmas, and it was even in some of her Christmas portraits. Fortunately Soren isn't that bad about it.


We tidied up the office a bit today, and also enjoyed the Christmas Devotional in the evening.

Next week is our last full week before we leave, so it will be filled with Christmas preparations, as well as the usual activities.