The Hopkins Family: December 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

Ice Skating

After Christmas we decided to take the kids ice skating for a fun family activity. Samantha did pretty well and had a fun time. Paul couldn't keep his legs under him and wasn't a fan.

Thanksgiving was a really lowkey event this year with just my parents, my Aunt Nanette and Uncle Jeff, and Kevin and Holly. So, we decided to make Christmas a little more of a big deal. We had an advent calendar with an activity for each day of the month. Some days it was small stuff like playing Christmas BINGO, and other days it was a little more involved. It turned out to be one of the best things we've done. The kids had so much fun with each of the activities, even the small ones, and they were SO excited every morning to see what we had in store for the day. It was a great way to make the whole month of December fun instead of just a long countdown to Christmas. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were also really nice. Kevin and Holly went to California so we spent Christmas with my parents and Stacy, Lauren, and Caity.

Our family (Adam, the kids, and I) decided to do a handmade only Christmas. We handmade all of our gifts for everyone. The only exception was the kids' Santa gifts and stockings. I also caved and bought their pj's because it was easier and cost about the same as making them myself. I was really pleased with how everything turned out. It took a LOT of time to make everything but my mom told me it looked like everything was purchased and wasn't "homemade looking." For the kids I made felt quiet books for church which have already had half the pieces lost because they've been played with so much. I also made Paul a fishing set and Samantha a family of frogs. Adam made me an AMAZING sewing cabinet with room for all my notions and that have doors so when I'm done I can close away the mess. Although I will need to start earlier next year I was so happy with how everything came together that I think we will do this every year. It also didn't hurt that we spent a total of $100 on Christmas this year and ended up with some amazing things to give.

Samantha at her preschool party