More of December up to Christmas

We've been very busy this month! Here are some highlights:

The kids visited Santa at our church Christmas party.

Jamin asked for a tetherball. He seemed pretty impressed when Santa explained what a great tetherball player he used to be (before his wrist injury).

 Travis asked for a Jake and the Neverland Pirates talking spyglass, map, and headband. We're not sure what else he said, but Santa and his helpers were in stitches.

 Libby politely asked Santa for a Minnie Mouse doll and was on her way.

Brock turned 7, and Camryn turned 1.

Lots of birthday fun!

We sent snowflakes to Sandy Hook Elementary.

After we spoke with Benjamin about the news in Connecticut, he wanted to know how to help. He specifically felt a desire to cheer up the kids who missed their friends. When we learned that the district was collecting paper snowflakes to decorate the school, Jamin got to work.

 

Scott took his finals.

Hurray for a break!

I turned 30, and the world didn't even end.

 Due to the craziness of finals and the flu, I wanted a quiet night in. We celebrated with a nice dinner, chocolate cake, peppermint ice cream, and some great gifts (I got spoiled). 

We tried getting some good pictures of the kids in front of the Christmas tree.

Emphasis on "tried."

We made graham cracker houses:

Scott cooked tamales in preparation for Christmas Eve.

 Batch #1:

(I know I'm not writing about Christmas Eve yet, but these tamales tasted amazing. My husband rocks.)