December. . .

We had a lot of fun celebrations this December! Our kids saw Santa three times without us even trying!!  It started with our local lighting and visit from Santa Claus, then a kid party at the Arlington Club (Santa again:)), where decorating gingerbread men and a visit from a clown were super fun!  Then things slowed down a bit until the church pageant, with another visit from Santa!
And in between all those activities we got to celebrate Grace's birthday!

But first, we got our tree. . .

We got a tree from Maureen and Bill's again this year!

I love when everything is decorated! And I'm glad I have a picture of the tree from the beginning, because by Christmas, it was totally dead!! 

Activity #1 Lighting at the Watt House in Scappoose -End of November

Not the best at getting the kids to look and smile, but definitely the best, most realistic Santa! 

I think this really was Santa:). 

Activity #2 Arlington Club Kid Party

Attempt at a group picture.  

I know clowns have a bad rap, but this clown is always a huge hit with kids!! 

A mom insisted on taking a picture of me with the kids.  So glad Annie and Leo cooperated:).

Kate wanted to show off hers, too! 

I was trying to capture our beautiful decorations and have the kids smiling.  I don't think I got either:). 

Grace had to get a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.  She was bummed that she didn't get a candy exchange like Will's class, but excited to buy a super cute bear to give away! 

Activity #3 Pageant potluck

Santa #2

Just another crazy morning! 

Kessi Construction Holiday party at Ixtapa

Looking at the Shepard's Christmas decorations!