Helping Families to Connect and Thrive

Advent Activities Day 21– Extended Family Christmas Party

12.21.19

The Albaugh side of Isaac’s family comes together the Saturday before every Christmas to celebrate with a potluck and gift exchange. It is one of our very favorite traditions! This gathering is the only time each year that nearly everyone is together, so there is lots of hugging and happy catching up throughout the evening. After our meal we sing carols (our kids danced up a storm!) and the grandparents host a Christmas grab bag for the kids, just like Grandpa always did for us.

This year Cole was completely enamored with his big cousin Elliot and followed him everywhere (and Elliot was kind enough to give Cole so much of his attention— and even shared a few of his grab bag gifts!)

Kid Painting Paper Holly Wreath

12.20.19

Oh, by gosh, by golly, this sweet holly wreath might be one of my very favorite collaborations with Isla!

Inspired by @amandamcgeedesigns, Isla and I made a plan to create our own wreath and set to work. First, she swipe painted several sheets of sturdy watercolor paper using acrylic paints. When the paintings dried, I cut out holly leaves using my Silhouette Cameo. Then I painted another sheet of watercolor paper with red acrylic and sprinkled a fine red glitter onto the paint while it was still wet. Once that had dried I hand cut round berry shapes. To assemble the wreath I used my trusty glue gun and attached the holly leaves to a cardboard ring. It took some playing to get the leaves where I wanted them— it was definitely a “learn as you go” experience. Then I used a little liquid glue to add the berries.

This cheery little wreath brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart every time I pass by it. Hooray for decking the halls with homemade creations!

Advent Activities Day 20– Shop for Charlie

12.20.19

Being the dedicated mommy she is, Isla really wanted to involve Charlie in Christmas, so her advent activity was going shopping for him! I let her bring $10 from her piggy bank, which she proudly carried in her own purse. After looking around at all her options she chose a bag of treats and some new toys. She was so excited she asked if she could give some of the toys to Charlie as soon as we got home! Eager as she was, she managed to hold off and wrapped up the gifts all by herself for Christmas morning.

Giving your child the responsibility of shopping for their pet is such a fun and meaningful way to encourage them to think of others.

Advent Activities Day 19– Reindeer Pancakes and Chicken and Waffles Night

12.19.19

It was our second year sharing reindeer pancakes and chicken and waffles for dinner with the Hansons— a tradition is born!!! Woo hoo!

Part of the fun of advent activities is making up a few new traditions of your own, and this festive evening is definitely a favorite! We keep the evening lighthearted and simple with a semi-homemade meal, lots of Christmas music, and lots of laughter.

To make the reindeer pancakes all you need is pancake mix, chocolate chips, maraschino cherries, and bacon. When making the pancakes, pour small ovals of batter for the ears, small circles for the muzzle, and large circles for the heads. Then, let the kids assemble, admire, and devour!

Once the kiddos were happy and full they played while the grown ups feasted on fried chicken, waffles, and heavenly maple bourbon whipped cream! Yummmmmm! We make the waffles and whipped cream, and order the fried chicken from the deli. Easy peasy and soooo delicious! We were so busy eating this year that we forgot to take pictures– ha!

Toni and I surprised the guys with some hilarious new holiday shirts, and I have no doubt they’ll wear them proudly for future chicken and waffle nights! Cheers to wonderful friends, great big belly laughs, and creating your own happy holiday traditions!

Advent Activities Day 18– Christmas Game

12.18.19

We love playing games as a family because it’s such an easy and fun way to connect! We’d had a very full day, so Christmas Memory was just perfect for a few minutes of togetherness before bedtime.

We made our own game card pieces quite easily and you can too! Do a search for Christmas clip art, select and save your favorites, print out two copies of each, paste them onto some sturdy construction paper, and cut them into equal size squares (or rectangles), and voila! It could be a great project for kids to help with as well!