Family Christmas 2014

We celebrated our family Christmas this past Saturday.  It was a little early but we always like to have our family Christmas morning at home even when we are traveling for Christmas.  We woke the kids up at 6:30 Saturday morning with everything ready for our cozy morning.

Our "Christmas Eve" consisted of Chinese take out and the kids got to open their new Christmas pjs and got their new ornaments for the year.  The perfect ornaments for them, Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas!!

We opened presents and enjoyed playing with their new things that day.  A long family nap followed and a night out to see the lights at Dollywood rounded out our Saturday.  It was a long, fun, exciting day!  

Jack and Sally

Sally!

What does the FOX say?

He said, "it's a triangular!!"

Ikea for the WIN!

Merry Christmas!

Possibly my new favorite Oliver picture.  Hot chocolate, Lollipop, and smiles!

On the Train at Dollywood

By the time we made it to Cracker Barrel Julianne was asleep for the night.  Late night pancakes rounded out our day! :)

December Preschool Calender

Today my friend and I got together to plan our month for our preschool co-op.  This is the first time we've planned the month all at once.  I vote this is how we always plan because we both get input, we can see who has items to contribute, and can make the list of supplies that need purchased.

I thought I'd share our activities with you incase you have a preschooler and need some inspiration!  Here's what we came up with.  We meet twice a week so this month we will have 5 lessons.

DECEMBER- 
Music: Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Away in a Manger

4th- Theme: SNOW
Snow cycle Lantern- http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?blog=3803221&post=2241536573
Snowman Factory- http://buggyandbuddy.com/snowman-factory-homemade-playdough/
Snowman Sequencing along with the Snowman Factory to show order of things-  http://kcrewkidsrock.blogspot.com/2012/01/snowmen-snowmen-everywhere.html
Snowman Name Craft-http://theguilletots.blogspot.com/2013/01/clever-little-snowmen.html

9th- Theme: CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS

Christmas Tree- http://www.rockabyebutterfly.com/2011/12/christmas-activities.html and http://www.readingconfetti.com/2011/12/mooseltoe.html
Wreaths-http://www.blogmemom.com/christmas-crafts-for-kids-christmas-wreath/
Bells- http://satoridesignforliving.com/2012/12/jingle-bell-ornaments/

11th- Theme: CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS CONT.
Shepard- http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/messy-christmas-shepherd-craft.html
Candy Cane-http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/12/candy-cane-activities.html
 Star-http://kleuteridee.nl/kerst/ (website isn't in English but you get the idea just by looking at it)
 Gift- not totally decided yet- maybe let them make a gift for someone? or wrap boxes for fun?

16th- Theme: CHRISTMAS STORY- now that they understand the symbolism we can dive into the story itself even more.

Read Christmas Story-

Popsicle Nativity- http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.jp/2012/10/nativity-popsicle-stick-christmas.html

Another Nativity Idea- http://www.icanteachmychild.com/paper-bag-manger-craft/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ICanTeachMyChild+I+can+teach+my+child!

Angels- Coffee filter/cupcake liner angels- similar to this-
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2008/12/angels-we-have-heard-on-high.html

18th- CHRISTMAS PARTY
Decorate cookies
Christmas Music
Make an ornament