Holiday Activities

December was a fun month--all too fast, but good.  Each year I refuse to do anything related to Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but I think that this was the year that I finally realized there is wisdom in starting early.   I cranked up the energy the first week or so of December and got most things done, and the rest of the month was more enjoyable...next Christmas I might just start cards and shopping in November...

We had several visits from Santa's elves--they brought surprises to the front porch that included gift cards, tree ornaments and pajamas...the kids loved it...The kids each got small trees for their rooms this year, and the elves left a new tree skirt, lights and decorations for them to use as they wished.

Snow came to the Hyer household--in a yellow tupperware bowl on the kitchen counter!  And they were thrilled!

We live 2 blocks from the neighborhood "village" which boasts the most amazing holiday parade--not really :).  But the kids love it, and if you live here, you love it too.  Everyone and their dog, literally, comes out to either watch the parade, or march in it.  There were even a hundred or so dogs from the local dog park that marched down the street, along with every scout troop, cheer-leading group and neighborhood church.  We walked over from our house and parked ourselves on the curb and the kids enjoyed the entertainment...

Jam making--Charlie helped me with the annual canning of the home-made jam to give out to friends...

Santa came through with the slippers and robe...

Christmas morning at Grandma's...

 Lauren's holiday pajama day at school--she matched with a few of her friends...

 
Christmas Eve...

 Christmas morning--fun new "roller coaster" from Grandpa and Grandma Hyer

 Santa's lap--the big requests this year were a robe, bunny slippers and pillow pet (Lauren) and a pink skateboard and pillow pet (Kate)--Santa was able to swing those things...

Putting out treats for Santa and his reindeer...

I'm having a heck of time with the new blogger editor and absolutely can not move these pictures around effectively so that I can add text--total pain.  I was able to make the pictures bigger--thanks Laura W!--can't move them and add the text.  Sooooo...you'll have to figure it out!  We spent Christmas Eve at home and hosted dinner that night with my parents, brother, sister and brother-in-law.  Santa came to our house the next morning, and then headed over to my parents' house for a late breakfast and more presents.