Percy, Our Elf on the Shelf

 December 1st was highly anticipated as Percy, our elf on the shelf, returned.  We enjoyed 24 days of fun with him.  Some days he simply blended into our living space.  Other days creativity ruled.  The kids, of course, always enjoyed the latter more.  Each day was greeted by them trying to see who found him first.

 The cats particularly loved this arrival as it meant tiny bow toys for them.

 While Percy was meant to be bringing the kid's presents, they were slightly distressed as they thought he was taking them away. 

 My favorite... I enjoyed hearing them try to figure this one out as they woke up while I was in the shower.

 Traveling back 'n forth from the North Pole can be tiring!  Sometimes a nap is in order.

Percy's make-shift rollercoaster.  The kid's took them all for a spin when he was discovered... literally.  Percy was sure to "protect" the ladies with him.



Church Christmas Children's Program

 Today was our church's children's Christmas program.  Micah and Izzy were two of the three wise men.  Victoria was a shepherd.  Everyone worked hard and it showed from the lines to song lyrics.

 Mary & Joseph remain unpleased that there are still no more rooms in the inn.

Hartman Christmas

 The Friday before Christmas, we celebrated the Hartman Christmas.  One the menu was a Mexican smorgasbord - tacos, enchiladas, several dips and chips, Mexican soda and fried ice cream.  Similar to last year, we arranged a gift exchange.  One twist...  a theme.  After input from all sides, our theme was "Drinks on Me".  This was the theme Shane wanted for the Bures Christmas gift exchange.  There wasn't one gift that was repeated.  Gifts included a make-at-home root beer kit, bloody Mary kit, travel, coffee mug, Mead, non-alcoholic New Year's Eve collection, Mexican hot chocolate, periodic table mug and freezer slushy maker.

 The hit of the night was a two can drinking hard hat.  Pick #1 - Jackie.

 Micah chose his own gift, build your own straw from letter pieces and straw glasses.  When it came to Victoria's turn, she stole that from him leaving a pouting Micah.  At least the gift stayed in the family.

Steal #1 - Josh stole the drinking hat from Grammy.

 Izzy chose perfectly for her taste; emoji ice cube trays.

Steal #2 - Ben stole the drinking hat from his younger brother.

 Ready to try out the drinking glasses.

 And now I see why Ben wanted the drinking hat... it'll be a hit at college.

 We enjoyed the Saran Wrap ball so much at our own Christmas party that we made a larger version for the Hartman Christmas.  It took John and I one hour to make something that lasted ~20 minutes.  Old and young were amused making this a great choice. 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

 This was Izzy's third year in Artbarn, a local children's theatre program.  When given the choice of participating again in Traveling Geese (1st-4th grades) vs Duck Troupe Soup (3rd-4th grades), she choose the latter.  She desperately wanted a large part this year though we warned her that the competition will be stiffer as all the actors will be older than when she was in Traveling Geese.  The play this year was The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Part of her audition was to sing a song of her choice.  Because the play has a dark side, her chosen song was one of my childhood favorites thanks to Oma - Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts.  And with that, she was cast as 1 of 2 Ichabod Cranes!

Ichabod 1 was Izzy's friend since kindergarten - Zoe.  They are again together in 4th grade making for ample time to create a shared Ichabod vision.

Izzy's Ichabod was the one that encounters the headless horseman.  As her director said to me later, Izzy wears her emotions on the outside making us believe what was happening.  She was simply amazing!  I cannot wait to see what her future holds in theatre.

Before Izzy's Ichabod debut, we enjoyed brunch at Gaslight with Jackie, Oma and Opa.  A new culinary encounter... escargot.

Ho, Ho, Ho... Its a Christmas Party!

 Not on our radar, the kids asked when we were having a Christmas party.  After a few days of hearing them ask about having a party, I checked in with Santa to see if he was free.  Fortunately he was!  Unfortunately, the only day he had free was the last day I was on service.  We were exceptionally lucky that Oma & Opa were visiting us to help out.  John developed the menu with suggestions from Oma (olive feta bite, fruit tarts and chicken salad tea sandwiches).  With me being "out of service", Oma and Opa were a huge help with the preparations.

 

 

 Micah invited his friend Mark.  At his most recent parent-teacher conference, I was informed that Mark and Micah as best buddies in the classroom.  That was sweet music to my ears as a best friend has not existed for Micah since starting school.

 He's here!

 Santa answered many questions posed by the kids and gave his rendition of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas before each child was given time to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

 

 John and Santa had a fairly lengthy conversation about his occupation.  I wonder what Santa told him.

 

 Even adults can enjoy Santa!

 There is always a point in the night when things get a bit crazy.  It always seems to occur in the girls room.

 

A new game to try was the Saran Wrap ball game.  Prizes are wrapped up into a ball.  While one player unwraps this a quickly as they can, another play is trying to roll doubles.  Once doubles are rolled, the ball moves to that player and the dice to the next player.  This continues around the table until the ball is completely unwrapped.  This was so much fun we are debating on when we can do it again.