Christmas Countdown

Our December calendar has been full of fun (and exhausting!) events. 

Here is a quick rundown of the Christmas craziness over the last week:

We visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for our annual Nights of Lights trip. We came prepared this year with heavy jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. Although the exhibit was smaller than last year, it still got us in the holiday spirit!

Saturday afternoon Daddy and Maggie went on a little date to see Madeline's Christmas at the Horizon Theater. They finished their evening with dinner at Newk's, the only place that Maggie would agree to!

Sunday Gram and Grumps invited us for our annual holiday lunch with Grump's daughters, Tricia and Cathy, as well as their families. A special bonus this year was meeting Tricia and Chip's foreign exchange students from Africa. Both boys are here for basketball scholarships at Chip's school. Stanley immediately took to Jacob and held him all afternoon. It was so sweet!

Maggie had complained of an earache right before we left for Gram's house, so I took her to the Minute Clinic when we left to get checked. She was diagnosed with a double ear infection. Despite the pain, she remained happy and even wanted to poise with a giant nutcracker for a photo.

Monday Maggie, Jacob, and I drove to Clemson, South Carolina for the Mary & Grace spring photo shoot. Both Maggie and Jacob modeled for the line and did great. We ended up making a quick exit when Jacob was clearly ready for a nap. I cannot wait to see the final photos!

Since I was not home to pick up Tuttle from school, Gram grabbed him and brought him to the local homeless shelter to serve dinner with her friends. Apparently he stole the show and stood on a chair to give the blessing of the food to the entire shelter. We are extremely proud of Tuttle and his willingness to put himself in new situations and serve others.

Wednesday both kids had their holiday parties at the same time, so I went to Tuttle's this year because he was receiving a very special award: The Flying Eagle. Our smart boy had received all A's for the first semester of first grade. This is a HUGE accomplishment because first grade has been surprisingly challenging. Add in the fact that half of his day is 100% in German (math and science), and the success of all A's is an enormous feat. 

Tuttle and Maggie are both done with school until 2017, so we are embracing a few lazy days at home before Christmas Day. The craziness of the week has caught up to everyone.

I love the fact that all three of my kids appreciate sleeping in on days where we do not have to be anywhere. Bring on the extra z's!