We are surviving (and even thriving!) the holiday sprint to Christmas Day.
Jacob performed "Deck The Halls" with his preschool class last week in front of a packed sanctuary. We practiced for days leading up to the big event, and Jacob was reading to sing. Although he was quiet, he behaved and at least mouthed the words. I loved that he was holding his sweet friend's hand the whole time. :) During the grand finale with the entire school, Jacob got pushed by another student (payback for his own pushing, I am sure), but he refused to sing at all and was committed to looking mad for the duration of the show.
The big kids had several themed days this week to celebrate the last week of first semester. Maggie's 2nd grade encouraged the students to wear green, but Maggie wanted to take it to a whole other level. I knew his Cindy Lou Who hair would be a success or a complete disaster, but thanks to Pinterest and a paper cup, it turned out perfectly!
Maggie's teacher sent me this photo from the classroom. She was very impressed with Maggie's commitment to the character!
Maggie was able to show off her costume even more when she was Mystery Reader at Jacob's school. I signed up in September for this slot, and we made a fun treat to share with all the friends. Jacob had no idea that his sister was coming to read, and he was so proud to show her off. Maggie did such an impressive job, especially when she tends to get shy in front of large groups.
Thursday was Pajama Day for both big kids. Maggie's class read and watched The Polar Express while the 4th grade participated in a Read-a-Thon all day. Jacob and I volunteered at the "Starbooks" hot chocolate bar during a reading break although we were not much help with a three year old in tow.
The final day of school for everyone was a WILD whirlwind with three class parties back to back to back. Thankfully Daddy could take Jacob to school, so I could be a few minutes early for Maggie's party. The 2nd grade made Santa pancakes and the cutest button wreath ornaments. I jumped between both classes helping to coordinate all the activities.
Tuttle's class was a little more chaotic, and I might still be recovering from the holiday party. I organized several "Minute To Win It" games for the three classes as they rotated through the rooms for the hour long party. We played The Great Reindeer Race and Face The Gingerbread Man. I had two other games planned, but twenty minutes flies by when you are trying to give directions to a room full of wild 9-10 year olds. Those teachers deserve a month break AND a raise!
I arrived at Jacob's party just in time and enjoyed sitting back as other helpful parents planned the Christmas food and activities for the Firefly Class. The babies ate yummy treats and decorated paper tree with sticks and pom poms. Jacob was also eager for me to open his gifts that he worked so hard to create this month. I cannot get enough of sweet handprint preschool art, and the teachers showered us with special decorations that I will always treasure.
The fun (and stress) did not stop there on Friday. I picked up the big kids early to get dressed up for our Santa visit at Phipps Plaza. Honestly I thought this year would be uneventful. Jacob had not ever cried for Santa, the lists that stayed pretty consistent, and we were used to the process at this Santa location. As soon as it was the kids' turn, Jacob refused to get anywhere close to Santa. The assistant had to place Jacob in Santa's lap, much to both of their objection. Tuttle was completely embarrassed.
We fit in a FOUR HOUR gymnastics holiday party that night. It was held at the gym and catered by Moe's. Jay and I sat back and watched all three Thorne children get every ounce of energy left in them before heading home to throw EVERYONE in bed. Whew.
The much anticipated trip to the Fox Theater for the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker was Saturday afternoon. This year was extra special because it is the last year that this classic performance will take place at the Fox- it is moving to the Cobb Energy Center next year. :( We love this tradition with the Thorne family and hope something fun and festive replaces The Nutcracker because we are more loyal to the Fox Theater than the play itself, honestly.
After a beautiful performance we headed across the street to The Livingston for dinner. Despite the bad service, our meal was delicious, and we had a great view upstairs overlooking the Fox Theater.
A huge thank you to Grandmommy and Grandaddy for always generously getting the tickets for the whole family and Uncle Drew and Aunt Peach for treating us to dinner this year!
Our final weekend celebration was today at Larry and Beth's house with the Corbitt clan. We all brought finger food to share and exchanged our gifts by the names drawn around Thanksgiving. It is so much more manageable this way. We were laughing that a few years ago it took 2.5 hours to open all the gifts! Our family has really grown in the last few years from the small operation that it was when I was a child. We loved the laid back afternoon spent with our family.
We could not dive into our pajamas and onto the couch fast enough when we got home. This cold and rainy weather has us ready for Christmas movies and napping. We deserve it after surviving all this Christmas chaos! :)
