In the name of...house shoes??

Macie and Gavin were playing in the living room at their new table. Macie set the table and got food for each of them. Once everything was ready she said, "We need to pray". It went something like this:
"In the name of the father (touched forehead), and the son (touched belly)" and then there was a long pause followed by "in the name of eyes, nose, mouth, and in the name of house shoes" while touching each body part. Then as serious as can be, she said, "OK, we can eat now".

I'm sitting back laughing so hard, but I didn't want her to hear me. We've been working on the Sign of the Cross and praying before meals. Obviously, we still have a LOT of work to do!!

Christmas Lights and Santa's Workshop

Tonight, we had plans to go to the Fantasy of Lights. Macie and Gavin love to see Christmas lights as we drive home. They each want a "turn" to have the lights on their side. We told them that we would go to a place where there would be lots of lights. Macie kept saying, "on both sides". The kids were a bit tired, but loved the lights. When we got there, the guy gave us two small candy canes for them. That was all Macie could think about. Brian didn't realize that I wanted him to bring the bag, so we didn't have any wipes with us. We originally told Macie she would have to wait.
After we left the Fantasy of Lights, we headed out to the 4H Fairgrounds. They also have a light display and it is free. You can leave donations if you want, but don't have to. Macie bugged us so much about the candy cane that we decided why not. Before going through the lights, we pulled over and gave it to them. On the way there, they were falling asleep and the candy cane was just enough to give them a boost! As we were pulling in, a man asked us if we were going to Santa's Workshop. We hadn't planned on it and in fact, didn't even know it was there. The kids and I were in pjs/comfy clothes. As we were driving by it, Brian and I debated back and forth when Macie asked, "What's that? Can we go in there?" We gave in. I had to pee and the kids looked cute in their pjs. As we were getting closer to the door, Macie started freaking out saying that she didn't want to sit on Santa's lap. We never told her that she had to. We convinced her that it would be fun. Once we were inside, she didn't want to leave! The kids got to see Santa. Both kids were hesitant at first, but Gavin walked up to him and hugged him. He was happy to get another candy cane. Macie talked to him from Daddy's arms and quickly walked up for the candy cane but ran away before I could get a picture. Macie and Gavin loved looking at each display. There were Santa's reindeer, elves making toys, and Mrs. Claus was outside. As we were leaving, Macie walked up to Santa and waved by to him. She would't leave until he heard her and waved back. It was so sweet! I'm so glad that we were able to go in. We will definitely go back next year!

All set ready to go! Macie knew Rapunzel would enjoy the lights too!

My social guy

Checking out the reindeer

As you can see, Gavin is thrilled by the candy cane and Macie is highly disturbed by the fact that hers is broken!

There was a train up above...Gavin was in awe!

Traditions New and Old

Last year, we started the tradition of wrapping up Christmas books. The idea is to open one each night and read it. It is also a way to count down to Christmas. We decided to continue the tradition this year. We wrapped 22 books, but decided that the kids would each open one every night this year. I want to be home when we do it. Tonight was the first night that we did it and the kids were so excited.
A new tradition that we started this year was a countdown tree. I don't really know what else to call it. The kids each put a candy cane in the first pocket. Each day they will move the candy cane closer and closer to the 25th...Christmas! Some days, there may even be a treat left in the pocket!

Brian helped me out by wrapping the books. I just had WAY too much on my plate:(

Daddy's Little Boy