It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!

The boys recently had their annual gingerbread house making day with Grandma. This was the first year Collin was old enough to go and let me tell you, he was one proud little boy to be included! He marched right into "Mamaw's" house and couldn't wait for me, Drew and Tanner to leave for a dentist appointment Drew had so he would have an hour or so with Mamaw alone (not to worry, Drew came right back to the candy and gingerbread as soon as his little choppers were clean....his dentist was thrilled, I'm sure). 

The houses were all decorated at Grandma's house, but made their way to ours later that afternoon when they had dried enough to make the car ride over without losing bits of candy. I wanted to snap a picture of all three finished houses (Grandma made one for Tanner too) but of course, Collin had to jump in with a silly face (his signature photo face right now). The houses from left to right: Drew's, Tanner's, and Collin's.

And because one day of fun wasn't enough this year, the boys headed back to Grandma's a week or so later to make gingerbread trees to go along with their houses. The perk to this extra day was not only two very happy boys, but a chance for me to finish up some last bits of Christmas shopping almost kid free as well (Kathleen, you are so good to me! Thank you again!).

The finished trees. Drew's is on the left, with an abundance of  frosting "snow" and "grass" around the foot of his tree, and Coll-brother's is on the right.

We are also finally finished decorating for Chistmas! We had a late start, but as of this week, our tree (which was the last thing to be done) is all decorated. I let Drew help me out one day while the younger boys were napping. It turned out to be a fun way to spend some one on one time with my big kid. We had fun together and he did a great job hanging ornaments and helping me out!

When Collin woke up, we let him add a few ornaments as well.

And then when Nathan came home later that night, Drew got to add the star to finish it off (shocking he's in just chonies, I know).

So now, our stockings have been hung by the chimney with care...

...and the letters to Santa have been written.

In fact, they've even been mailed off at a special mailbox just for the Big Guy himself :)

I love so much about this season and as we eagerly await the fun and excitement that Christmas day brings, I can't help but imagine the anticipation and excitement the shepherds felt after seeing a star in the East and realizing that the Savior they had long awaited had finally arrived. What an extraordinary gift to reflect upon and rejoice in this season!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

-Isaiah 9:6-7