Puppy Chow & Snowflakes

The girls & I devoted some of our Friday to getting ready for Christmas. We wrapped some gifts and made puppy chow. In the afternoon, the girls spotted tiny snowflakes.

Kids' Christmas Program

The girls did a great job singing in the Christmas program at church. "Come On, Ring Those Bells" will be in our heads for a long time to come! My co-blogger Kit said, "It was fun. Let's do it again!"

The Nutcracker

We all had a great time watching the Columbus City Ballet so close to home at OWU. The girls just couldn't help but dance at times!

Holiday Celebration at the ECC

Winnie and I had a great time at her preschool holiday celebration. She shared gifts she made for the whole family, cookies her class baked, and special music.

Make It Monday: Frozen Clothes

The girls helped sew Frozen-inspired clothing for their Barbies.

Live Nativity

We had fun as angels and choir members in the live nativity at the Marion County Fairgrounds' Christmas by Candlelight. I was touched by our church member Nancy saying how good it was to see us as a family.

Letters to Santa

The girls hand-delivered their letters to Santa at Oakland Nursery. We were treated to popcorn, cider, and face painting, too. Winnie said that this Santa wasn't the real one because of his scratchy voice. She thought maybe he was an elf who helps out.

Crafting & Caroling

Both Kit and Winnie were able to participate in this year's Crafting and Caroling event for all Delaware City Girl Scouts. The Willis Intermediate School cafeteria was bursting at the seams with attendees. You've never quite heard "Let It Go" from Frozen until you have heard it in unison from about 200 girls!

Ladies' Christmas

On Sunday, we had our annual ladies' Christmas gathering at Indian Lake. We had lunch at the Moose, where the kids won stuffed animals thanks to a kind girl with a seemingly endless supply of quarters. Then we hung out at Aunt Berchie's, had a gift exchange, and ate treats. Michelle introduced us to Christmas crackers. After the kids opened all of their gifts, Kit said, "This is the best day of my life!"

Thanksgiving with the Jumps

On Saturday, we enjoyed Thanksgiving with the Jumps, coupled with the OSU/Michigan game. Following the Buckeyes' win, the kiddos celebrated with a group hug.

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's. The girls helped decorate their tree, and we enjoyed time with Matthew and a phone call from Zech.

Giving Back

We joined with others from Peace to provide a free meal at St. Paul's in Marion. Kit and Winnie became fast friends with Ella, and all of the girls loved helping, especially serving cake!

Presenting Miss Winnie

This is how she rolls during quiet time!

Delaware's Holiday Parade

On Sunday, several Girl Scout Troops walked together in Delaware's Holiday Parade. The weather was bitter cold, but it was fun sharing candy and seeing Santa.

Trimming the Tree

Nothing kicks off the holiday season like getting out the Christmas decor and trimming the tree!

Dress Up with the Carlisles

The girls had so much fun playing dress up with Cecilia and Audrey. They showcased at least 5 sets of fancy attire.

Winnie's Wonderful Creations

Make It Monday: Tiny Mailboxes

The girls made tiny mailboxes from empty floss containers and thread spools. We've been having so much fun leaving tiny notes for one another.

Ben Folds Concert

On Saturday, Seth and I enjoyed a date night out in celebration of my birthday. We ate at Melt in the Short North & then saw Ben Folds at the LC Pavilion. The night was perfect until we ran over tire remnants & had our tire blow out. That made for a late night!

Backpacking

Seth & I got away on Veterans Day, backpacking at Zaleski State Forest. It was our first time with overnight rain, but we were prepared. The hikes in and out were beautiful.