Christmas Vacation

Today was Matt's first day of his Christmas vacation. He'll be home with us for the next two weeks (after which I'm sure he'll be more than happy to go back to work!). The mania started early today with a second round of cookie making at grandma's house.

Noah ate more sprinkles and chocolate chips than he used on the cookies.

Then we hit the mall to run a few errands. These little guys were on sale at Hallmark and I had a coupon, so even though Santa will be here next week with a ton of stuff, we caved and let the boys pick out two favorites each. They love them, and are currently snuggling with them in bed as I write this.

Noah, for as cranky and stubborn as he is, can be really sweet sometimes. He insisted on holding Matt and Matthew's hands as they walked through the mall today. Add in the fact that Matthew was belting out Christmas carols as they strolled and you've got a pretty cute little scene. As I walked behind them I listened to people walk by and "awe, how cute!" at them.

Speaking of Santa, Matthew has asked me to take pictures of the things he wants so that we can email them to the big guy. That's how we roll in 2013 - we email Santa! On his list:

Everything Angry Birds Telepods

Everything Monsters U

Everything TMNT

The entire Swap Force team

Despicable Me 2 stuff

And the Disney Infinity collection

Santa is bringing a lot of this stuff next week. Because he's generous like that.

Friday is Matthew's holiday play at school, and then we join Matt on official Christmas vacation. If I'm not back before the 25th, have a Merry Christmas!

All the Christmas stuff

With such a late Thanksgiving this year I feel so rushed with all our Christmas stuff. But we're managing to cram it all in!

Our house has been decorated inside and out. My new favorite - these lighted stars from Ikea.

Our nativity is up, complete with Woodstock as baby Jesus.

Snickers the Elf has been hanging around. Sometimes literally.

We've done a ton of little craft projects that I bought on clearance last year at Target.

The boys got an early Christmas gift from grandad and nana - each one got a Nabi 2.

And no Christmas chore list would be complete without "take dogs to see Santa" checked off!

Matthew's holiday play at preschool is next week. Then it's Christmas vacation time until January 2nd. Woot!