5 on Friday

1. Bright and early Friday (or dark and early since I had to be there at 4:45AM) I volunteered for the Children's Cancer Connection wrapping gifts at Valley West mall.  Van and Bonnie (well, just Van because Bonnie was sick) broadcast  from the location and it was free wrap morning.   I had a great time and kept busy wrapping lots of gifts.   It was interesting explaining to Ellie why I wouldn't be at home when she woke up that morning- we talked about volunteering, cancer and helping others.   I think she understood most of it, and I love that Nick and I can show our daughters what it means to give back.

2. Friday evening was the girls' Holiday Program at TCP (day-care).   The program started at 5PM and I showed up at 4PM to get in line so we could get a front row seat.   Yes, 60 minutes ahead of time for a day-care holiday program.  It was so worth it when Ellie saw us in the front row!  The girls did great, the program was super cute and the girls loved having both sets of grandparents watching them sing.  We wrapped up the night with dinner at our house with the grandparents.  I always love watching the girls interact with their grandparents- Neve wanted both of her grandpas to sit by her at dinner, which worked out well because Ellie wanted the grandmas to sit by her. 

3. Saturday was Thanksmas with some of our friends.   Six adults and five kiddos under one roof makes for a fun time had by all.   We had tons of yummy food (including smoked turkey), the kids watched the Polar Express on the big screen, and the parents got to play games without little ones helping (at least for a little while).  

4. What to say about the weather on Sunday... we made the most of a warm day in December by having our first s'mores using the new fire table and patio.  Ellie and Nick sat outside for over two hours--- I think the patio is a hit and I cannot wait to use it in the spring.

5. Ellie is counting down the days until Christmas and both girls love finding Buddy the Elf each morning (even when Buddy is too tired and stays in the same spot two days in a row).