Like many families, we tend to have a December packed full of activities. Since the twins have been born, we've really had to say no to some things that we enjoy doing simply because it was too stressful for me to go from activity to activity with four littles in tow. We certainly still did our fair share of fun things, but I was really careful to be purposeful about saying no to some things for the sake of our sanity. I know I've said this before, but what's the point in doing a bunch of stuff that just stresses everyone out?!?
However, now that the kids are a little older, things are much more manageable. We are at a point where we can do several things in one day and it not result in meltdowns (mostly, haha). We can also be a little more spontaneous, which is something I've missed! So, when I read online that our town was having its annual Christmas parade and it started in two hours, I said, "Let's go!"
The Christmas parade was on Saturday, December 9th. We were scurrying around trying to find hats, gloves, scarves, and get everyone bundled to go (it was a cold evening!) when our doorbell rang. It was our neighbor's granddaughter, Charley, who had come to see if Brianna could play. I told her we were getting ready to go to the Christmas parade, and she said, "Oh, I wish I could do that". I just smiled and said, "Well, if it's okay with your mom then you can come with us!" Brianna and Charley ran back over to Charley's Gigi's house to ask while I continued to get the other kids bundled and Chris packed snacks for us. A few minutes later, Brianna and Charley ran back to our house SO excited because Charley's mom said yes!
All set up and waiting for the parade to begin!
Brenson, Charley, and Brianna
Brooke and Brecklyn
Chelle and Chris
We got to the parade route about 40 minutes early to find parking and a good place on the sidewalk. We weren't too terribly cold until the sun started to go down. I promptly grabbed Brecklyn (who was getting squirmy in the stroller anyway) to sit on my lap and keep me warm :-).
Chris said, "Oh, that's a great idea!" and grabbed Brooke!
This was the twins' first ever parade, and they were just precious watching it. I'm pretty sure they're eyes stayed wide with amazement just about the entire time. And when we kept getting candy handed and thrown to us by the parade participants? I don't think it could've been any better for them!
Brooke
Brecklyn
The next morning - after thawing our frozen bodies from the parade the night before - we got up and got ready for church (as we always do on the Lord's Day). I dressed all the kids in red so they'd look festive for our church Christmas luncheon after morning worship service.
Brianna, Brooke, Brecklyn, and Brenson
We've always enjoyed and looked forward to our annual Christmas luncheon and white elephant gift exchange. We love the newer tradition of having a little area set up for photo ops, and I hope we continue to do that in the future. I adore this family pic of us from that day!
Speaking of spontaneity and Christmas parties, the following Saturday (December 16th) I invited a few people over for finger foods and a little Christmas craft. A small group of us from church always get together around Christmas to visit, play games, and, of course, EAT. This year, it was almost too late when we realized we hadn't planned anything. Because it was sort last minute, not everyone could come, but we still had a good time!
The kids doing a Christmas craft
Chloe Jo
Sadie
Brenson
This boy was a mess!
Brianna
Brooke
Brecklyn
I didn't get any pics of the adults, but they were there, too!
That evening, we enjoyed another one of our Christmas traditions which is having a Christmas movie night. We don't watch much TV, and a movie night is a pretty rare thing around here. One reason for this is because I don't love movies, and it seems as though Brenson is following in my footsteps! He tends to hate almost every movie we've tried to watch with him, and this night was no exception. We chose the movie Elf, and in typical Brenson fashion he was not a fan. How can you not like Elf?!? I thought for sure he'd think it was funny, but nope. He actually said it was scary to him and whimpered through part of it *sigh*.
All smiles before Bren decided to hate the movie :-).
We've definitely been having fun with some Christmas activities this season! It's nice to be in a place where things are a little easier and outings are a little more doable.
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