Friday, December 16, 2011

Advent Day Fifteen: Work Christmas Party!

We had fun at my work Christmas party this year! Last year, Willow was only crawling so she had to stay in her stroller the whole time. This time, her and her buddy Nico ran around and played with each other!













Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Advent Day Fourteen: Make Casserole & Brownies and Bring to Nana's!

Today we visited Nana (Willow's great grandma) and made her a yummy dinner and dessert!






We hope she likes it!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Advent Day Thirteen: Dance to Christmas Music!

I took the CUTEST VIDEO EVER of Willow dancing to Santa Baby (she was grooving). And I accidentally deleted it. By the time I realized it was gone, it was almost bed time and Willow was a little danced-out. But at least I got something! *still cursing my name*

Monday, December 12, 2011

Advent Day Twelve: Wrap Presents!

Now I know how to keep Willow occupied for more than five minutes without involving Elmo: give her some ribbon and wrapping paper! Too bad it can't be Christmas all year round. Willow was very serious about her wrapping duties. She carefully selected the ribbon, bows, and paper. She even modeled some of the bows.


This goes on my head, right?







She is loving Christmas so far! I hope she enjoys the season as she grows up, just as much as Daddy and I do!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Advent Day 11: Decorate Christmas Cookies!

This whole Advent thing is harder to keep up with than I thought! Yesterday, Willow's advent activity was to go to her step-cousin, Austin's, first birthday party. I was unable to attend but was told she had a great time!

Today, we made TONS of Christmas cookies. Willow helped decorate a batch!








She was a little less than graceful with the sprinkles, but what kid is?

Friday, December 9, 2011

Advent Day Nine: Gymboree 'Toys for Tots' Event!



Sorry for skipping out on yesterday's event. The activity was to "Make a Christmas Craft" and I forgot to buy the materials. Plus it was a work day so there was just no time. We will have to double up a day later this month!

This evening, Willow attended a Toys for Tots event at Gymboree. She had such a blast! She paid no attention to the movie (Polar Express), but then again, I think the parents were more interested in it than the children. Willow played her little heart out. Then there was a quick visit from SANTA! Willow pushed herself through the crowd in order to get a good glimpse. He shook her hand, and then she offered Santa a ball (as if to say, "Hey, here's a ball. Now get me some good presents this year.")

It's so fun to watch Willow play and learn. She's socializing better with other children, though she prefers to play on her own. She's much more reserved than the other kids her age. It's interesting to see.

Enjoy some pics!












Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Advent Day Seven: Make Cinnamon Ornaments!





Willow and I attempted to make cinnamon ornaments today! I say attempted because (SPOILER: They sucked.) But we had fun trying!

Willow was Mommy's little helper this morning and really enjoyed assisting with the easy tasks.






Not pictured: Willow sticking the cinnamon in her mouth repeatedly.

We finally had a dough-like consistency, so Willow helped me roll it out and make the shapes.












Not too shabby, right? The hard part was getting them onto the baking sheet. I think I made the dough too thin and possibly too wet, because they weren't holding together very well. Willow got bored during this tedious process and I found that she'd wandered into the living room to watch YouTube videos.


Bailing at the first sign of a challenge.

I eventually got them onto the sheet, but had to re-mold some of them back together. Also? Don't use wax paper.

A few hours later, I popped them out of the oven... and wa-la!



... NOT. Lies, I tell you. All lies.


At least they smelled good.

Oh well... There's always next year.