It's the Holiday Season

It has been nice having a little more time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas for us this year.  I feel like we've been less rushed and had more time to enjoy things.  Things like...

Decorating the House and Tree (Kai and Rori put up almost all the ornaments themselves):

The AGBell Christmas Party (where Rori willingly sat on Santa's lap for the 1st time and Zuri began the terrified of Santa stage.  All the kids came home with tons of gifts):

 

 

Our Church Christmas Party:

Elfie Arrived on December 1st and Has Had Some Great Hiding Spots (we often leave crafts, letters, books etc. as gifts for him):

 

 

*Note Zuri trying to copy Rori's pose in this one

 

 

Danced and drank hot chocolate by the District's Huge Christmas Tree

Started basketball practice for Kai:

Checked out the Cowboy Christmas animals and goodies at the Convention Center (one of the things happening in conjunction with the Nation Rodeo Finals that are here in town):

Even Getting in Some Snuggles:

Lance turned in stuff for Finals and attended last classes!!!

We've driven around and looked at lights a few times and it has been pretty neat to have all 3 kids really engaged in the holiday.  It is so funny to hear Zuri yell out from the back seat when she sees lights, or repeatedly tell us how "Santa nice" but answer a quick "no" if you ask her if she wants to sit on his lap.  Rori really seems to be understanding Christmas so much more this year.  It was 1 year ago that her hearing aids got set properly and we really do feel like she has taken such huge strides forward since then in what she is understanding and able to communicate.  She is asking lots of questions about the Holiday's, requesting certain Christmas songs, and having so much fun finding Elfie each morning.  Kai seems to be studying out everything a little more this year.  We are still in the clear, but he is such a little thinker that we are going to have to be on our toes.  He is desperate to watch every holiday show on TV that we can record, enthusiastic about everything Christmas related, and a tad bit nervous about making sure everyone stays on the nice list.        

We have a few more gifts to work on, some treats and other things to make for schools, 1 more huge paper for Lance, and Lance's work party still to go, but we're getting there.