Sunday, December 21, 2014

December Fun

It's hard to believe Christmas is only a few days away!  We've had a very busy month.

Last weekend we went to see Disney Frozen on Ice.  It was a great show!  We didn't tell the girls ahead of time, so it was a fun surprise for them.  


I found a gingerbread cookie recipe that I wanted to try out.  I didn't expect it to get so complex, but it involved a dinner time run to Target to find a gingerbread cookie cutter (I swear I owned one...).  Since there were none to be found, we ended up with Ninjabread cookie cutters (which after a little convincing, the girls decided was pretty cool).  Like I said, I hadn't anticipated this becoming a big thing, so we had to go with what we had in the pantry for decorating (I had planned a little white icing piped on by me).  The girls had a good time with it and they ended up pretty cute.  More fancy cookies to come this week for Santa!






The girls didn't have Christmas parties at school, but they both had pajama day.  Elle got to bring a blanket and they had a movie day with popcorn.  They did some Christmas crafts at school, but also learned about Hanukah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa.  She came home last week telling me how Wednesday was an important day, but she couldn't remember why.  She said "I think it's a season" and when I asked about winter, she said, "nah, that's not it.  St. Patrick's Day!!"  After a bit more discussion, we landed on the fact that it was the first day of Hanukah!  Scarlett learned about all the holidays too and had "winter" fun at school.  


Friday was a half day at school, so they came home, bathed and changed for Santa!  Poor Scarlett was getting sick, but went along and took a great photo anyway!


Yesterday, much to our surprise we looked out the window and saw SNOW!  The girls were beyond thrilled to run out in it.  Even though nothing stuck, they were still so excited to see snow falling from the sky for the first time (true first for Elle, first that Scarlett can remember).  Look closely to see the snowflakes in their hair!



Today we made gingerbread houses (or as Scarlett insisted on correcting...GRAHAM CRACKER houses).  I found this genius tip on Pinterest to use hot glue to put them together (since no one eats them anyway) and it made the whole thing much easier!  I whipped up some royal icing to cover the glue and stick on the candy.  The girls loved it!  Scarlett of course had to tell me that she couldn't believe I used GLUE so now she can't eat it.  Not that she has EVER in her life eaten or even thought about eating a gingerbread house :o)




Santa!

We finally made it to see Santa on Friday.  The girls were thrilled and Santa was very sweet to sit and sing with them too.

Taking pictures while waiting in line



The wait wasn't too bad..finally our turn to see Santa!  



Monday, December 8, 2014

American Girl Experience

We took the girls to Charlotte last weekend to celebrate Scarlett's birthday.  She has gotten really interested in American Girls since she got Isabelle in June.  We decided to go for the full pink experience!

The Marriott offers an American Girl package that gives you the full pink experience.  They have an official AG check in line with a pink carpet!


The rooms have pink sheets, towels and blankets.


They give you a doll bed, robe and slippers to keep.


Special pink frosted cookies and milk delivery


After checking in and eating our cookies, we headed to the AG store.  Scarlett got lots of gift cards, so she shopped and shopped for Isabelle and Elizabeth.  We had a late dinner at the Bistro, complete with the full birthday party package!


Elle even got to borrow a doll (but was upset when she couldn't take it home!)


After dinner we had cake and ice cream.



Back at the hotel, the girls and dolls changed into pajamas and robes to get ready for bed.


One of Scarlett's purchases was a set of matching pajamas for her and Isabelle.


They also all got matching American Girl Charlotte shirts.  Triplets!


The whole surprise was a huge success!  Scarlett declared it the best hotel she's ever stayed at!  She also told me that the American Girl restaurant is pretty much the fanciest restaurant EVER.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

In our Christmas jammies...


Scarlett is 7!

Can you even believe it?  My girl is 7!!!  According to her she's "really big now".  I had fun holding her big surprise over her head for a few weeks.  We finally told her yesterday morning that we are taking her to American Girl in Charlotte this weekend.  She had school, but got to bring in treats (Elle and I came) and got to answer 7 questions from her friends after they sang to her.  She opened presents and we had birthday dinner (steak, parmesan pasta and peas - all her choice) and then chocolate cake (homemade chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and crushed candy canes on top - also her pick).

  Yearly birthday picture

With all her best friends


After school - ready for presents!


I haven't seen her this excited over a present in a long time!  


Coconut (the dog), Elizabeth, Scarlett and Isabelle in their birthday attire


Birthday dinner


And cake!!



The fun continues this weekend!  All her grandparents sent her AG giftcards so she has a shopping spree to look forward to!