Getting geared up for Christmas

Getting ready for Christmas is always so much fun. This year we had several pre-Christmas events and activities to get us in the mood!

I went to a friend's birthday party and we all got to make living wreaths.  Riley was SO excited to finally have onto hang by our door (not ON the door since there was a hook already beside the door!).

The kids and I did a holiday food stroll at Central Market:

We decorated the tree:

We went to see the holiday trains again this year:

The kids both had their orchestra concerts. This was Riley's first one and she was beyond excited and proud.

Not really holiday related, but at this time of year, the kids always have a day when the parents come in to see the big project they've work on.  Riley's was 'Christmas in Germany' and Leighton's was about famous Texans.  He chose Charles Goodnight (seriously fascinating to learn about!) and did all the research and display prep in class.  I sewed him the vest and tie (once again, by hand!) and we borrowed the hat.  So cute!

There were also the class holiday parties:

And holiday dinners with friends:

The kids made and decorated some cookies:

We put on PJs and went to see Christmas lights.  We liked this Astros display!

And the kids wrapped the gifts they got for each other.

And then it was Christmas Eve!