Hannah's First Hair Cut

We finally did it...Hannah got her first haircut.  We decided that right before Christmas would be the perfect time.  Hannah was excited to go visit Ms. Rosanne and had so much fun with her.  

Here's her beautiful hair before...

the longest curl was all the way down to her waist

getting ready

so excited!  

her first curl for her baby book

deciding how much to take off.  We ended up cutting off 4 inches  

Hannah and Rosanne

Checking it out...so pretty!

I was really happy with how it turned out. Love the clean look and I'm so happy that the bottoms still curl under a bit.  

Yay for first haircuts!  

Monkey Bread

I think this is going to have to be a new Christmas time tradition.  We made Monkey Bread the Saturday before Christmas.  It was nice to have a quiet morning at home just enjoying each other.  Hannah felt so big getting to cut up the biscuits.

and she loved coating them with cinnamon sugar

We used the pioneer woman's recipe...can't go wrong there :)  

This is an easy kid friendly recipe..enjoy!  

More Truth in the Tinsel: Day 11-20

Here are more of the ornaments that Hannah made for our Truth in the Tinsel advent experience:  

We had Tobin over for a morning playdate...he joined right in and made and awesome "Jesus" ornament.  We had fun talking about Jesus' name.  They learned that Jesus means "God saves" and Emmanuel means "God with us"  

I loved how Tobin's turned out.  

The manger is made out of salt dough.  Hannah had so much fun creating and painting this ornament!  

 This is definitely one of my favorites!  I love how cute and fuzzy her little sheep turned out!  

 oops...we skipped day 18 in an effort to catch up :)

A Few Christmas Traditions

A few years ago we started the tradition of giving the kids each (then it was just Hannah :)) a Christmas book each year.  It's been fun to pull them out and read them each year.  My mops group has given us a book on several occasions...this year each of the kids got an arch book...and they love them!

 We have been lighting the candles in our advent wreath every day during advent.  It's hard to believe we are so close to Christmas.  This week we are on the angel candle and are reading verses about the angels part in the Christmas story.  We also picked a Christmas hymn each week to teach Hannah.  This year she learned "Crown Him King of Kings", "Silent Night",  Angels We have Heard on High" and "Hark the Harold Angels Sing".  It's been a great way to celebrate Christ's birth!  

What are some of your family Christmas traditions?  

Spur of the Moment Play Date!

Aren't these the best?!  We got a LITTLE snow one day (is it really December?!) so we had to celebrate with a spur of the moment play date at Joshua's house.  

The kids had pb&j for lunch (the Mommy's weren't hungry because we were full from a delicious Christmas brunch at MOPS).

Then they played in the tunnels

Later, we bundled up for less than and inch of snow and went out to play...so exciting!  

 These kids are ready for snow!  

 Isaac LOVES to find spots where he can sit...this one was perfect!  

 Too much fun!  

 We love playtime with Joshua!  :)

Children's Concert at the Orchestra

We were able to get tickets to a children's concert at the orchestra...thanks to a friends from church.  The kids LOVED the music, and it made for such a fun family day.  

 Isaac clapped 

 and danced to the music!

 He just loved it!  

 Hannah got a chance to play the jingle bells 

The band was made up of a piano, bass, alto sax and drums.  Thanks for the great time, Elaine...we had so much fun!! 

Truth in the Tinsel

For this advent season we have been working our way through the ebook Truth in the Tinsel, and Advent Experience for Little Hands.  Each day, Hannah get's a clue out of our Advent house.  Then we read a passage of scripture that tells part of the Christmas story.  While we are reading, Hannah listens for her clue, then we make an ornament to go along with what she learned.  We have both been loving this!  It has made our Christmas season meaningful and has helped both of us keep our focus on Christ.  

Our advent house

Day 1:  Jesus is the Light of the World

 Day 2:  Painting the Crown  

 Jesus is the Prince of Peace  

 Day 3:  We learned about Zechariah.  See his mouth?  It's a popped bubble...he can't speak until his son John is born.  

 Day 4 and 5  Gabriel and Mary  

 Day 6:  Mary and Elizabeth.  Hannah LOVED painting with watercolor  

 Had to get a pic of Mary and Joseph together 

Did you enjoy seeing her creations?  More to come soon!  

What are you doing to celebrate this advent season?