December 19th: Visit Santa

 P was thrilled to visit Santa.  He was all ready to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas.  He got a little shy when he was actually on Santa's lap, but he refused to look at the camera because he was too busy talking to Santa.  P was planning to tell Santa that he wants a train and a garbage can for Christmas.  And have I mentioned that P has pretty much memorized Twas the Night Before Christmas and is constantly talking about how Santa has a "little round belly that shakes when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly"? 

December 18th: Build a Gingerbread House

December 17th: Shop for Gifts for the Giving Tree

December 16th: Make Treats for Neighbors and Friends

This is how P helps me make sweets...

 Don't worry, he had his own bowl so he would leave his grubby mitts off the REAL treats.  

If you are interested...this is my favorite caramel corn recipe...it is called Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn and I love it!

December 15th: Build a Snowman with Dad

The snowman is on the left...this is the only picture I took of him.  We kind of got distracted when a snowball fight broke out, and by the time I went out to take a picture of him, he was gone...melted.   

December 14th: Wrap Presents

December 13th: Act out the Nativity

December 12th: Read the Christmas Story in the Scriptures

December 11th: Drive Around to See the Lights...in our Pajamas!

We found everything on this list except a dolphin and snoopy (and I am pretty sure we never saw the Grinch, but P swears we did...).  My question is...why is a dolphin on this list?  I don't know that I have ever, ever seen a dolphin...

 We stopped by Kneaders on the way home for a delicious cookie treat, and I snapped a shot of P while he was enjoying his cookie. I showed him this picture and he could not stop laughing at himself.

 Bonus shot:  "Santa" in his "sleigh" being pulled by a his "reindeer".  

December 10th: Have a Special Christmas Family Home Evening

Today at his sitter's house, P was Santa all day.  He turned the corner castle into Santa's Workshop...and he refused to allow anyone else into his workshop until one of the other kids told him that they were all his elves.  He can quote you "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and The Grinch.  This child is obsessed with Santa, Frosty, Christmas Trees, lights, and all the other fun aspects of Christmas.  So tonight we focused on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  P's favorite part of the night was learning about the new star, and when we watched a little segment of Joy to the World, he could not wait to see the star.  But I have a feeling that the jolly old elf will be returning tomorrow.  He also told me tonight that he needs to have pink cheeks because he is Santa, and Santa has rosy cheeks.  

December 9th: Make a Christmas Craft with Mom

December 8th: Go to the Ward Christmas Party

 P looks thrilled, doesn't he?

P's favorite activity of the night...being the garbage man.

December 7th: Unwrap a New Ornament and Put it on the Tree

 It's been a Jake-filled year.  

December 6th: Hang up Stockings