Christmas Eve Eve!

Grandma and Grandpa Mayberry came up the day before Christmas Eve.

So that afternoon we took them and Uncle Rod to see The Light Before Christmas at the Science Spectrum Omni-max Theater.

Waiting for the show to start . . .

We have our popcorn and water ready to go!

That evening everyone came over to our house again for hot dogs . . .

 More cookie decorating . . .

 Playing with our Christmas goodies . . .

Relaxing . . .

And to watch Guardians of the Galaxy!

It was the perfect evening to get ready for Christmas Eve!

Cousin Day!

Day 23:  It has been one week since we were in Madi's favorite place on Earth, the Virgin Islands.

So Fred made a make-shift beach for himself complete with sunglasses, towel, floatie, book and sunscreen!

We let Madi open a gift early so we could use today with her cousins!

Once she figured out the gift was a Science Spectrum membership for the next year she ran and hugged us so tight!

We loved being able to give her a gift that's a learning experience for her each time we go! Plus she loves science just like her Grandpa Heider!

These guys met us at the Science Spectrum for a morning of fun!

The Color Blindness exhibit was neat since Grandpa Mayberry and Tripp are both color-deficient. 

Tripp saw exactly what a color blind person should see according to the chart!

We played with optical illusions . . .

dominoes . . .

animals . . .

virtual sports . . .

veterinarian clinic . . .

market . . .

and the news station!

Then we snapped another cousin pic before heading to lunch.

Had to get one with the nutcracker!

Me and my other girl eating ice cream after lunch!

There's still more from our Cousin Day!

Clay Cafe

Day 22:  Fred was getting in the Christmas spirit by getting in a present under our tree!

 We sure missed the Daniel girls so we planned a fun girls day Monday after we got back.

 We love to travel in the Ru-car (Rudolph car)!

 We met at Chick-fila for lunch!   

 Then we went to Clay Cafe so the girls could create something!

 They each picked a unicorn with very unique color choices! 

I'm excited to see how it turns out since they always look great once out of the kiln.

That night Daddy took us for ice cream (we're waiting in the Ru-car) and to look at Christmas lights!

Cookie Decorating!

 Sunday night we invited Aunt Shelle and the kids over for fajitas and cookie decorating!

 They each had so much fun decorating and eating their cookies!

 Tucker joined the "All I want for Christmas . . ." club this month!

 There was definitely NO shortage of sprinkles on any cookie.

 Maci the MESS!

 Madison loves any reason to have her cousins over!

Letter to Santa

Day 21:  Fred dressed up as a snowman.  I think he was just exhausted and wanted an excuse to stay cuddled up and rest.

Madi wrote her letter to santa:

Dear Santa,

Please do not come in my house.  And please leave my presents by the front door. And my mom will put wrapping paper, scissors, tape and maybe put some Christmas bows by the door.
Love,
Madison

After I stopped laughing about setting out wrapping paper for Santa, I asked Madison why she didn't put what she wanted Santa to bring and she said "I just want it to be a surprise!"

I'm thankful that she's not worried about the gifts but enjoys the family time the most!