Tyler's Preschool Christmas Pageant

Friday was the last day of school for both boys until January 5.  They have a LONG break this year!  Brennan had his winter party in the morning, which conflicted with Tyler's preschool pageant, so I didn't make it to the elementary school, but heard he had a great time.  I had signed up to help with the Christmas party at Tyler's school, so I ended up spending the day at KUC.  We had some fun party festivities between the kids last rehearsal and the start of the show.  Tyler's class was dressed as angels and they looked adorable!

I did get the pageant on video for anyone interested in checking it out.  I'm not sure what Tyler was thinking about during the show - he seemed to be entertaining himself, though not really participating in much of the pageant!  It was cute!

School Pictures

We finally got school pictures ordered and in (grandparents, your 8x10s are coming at Christmas!)  The preschool uses a nice studio that sends proofs for you to review before ordering, but that always results in a slower process to get the pictures.  Brennan didn't have the brightest smile this year, but it seemed good enough to keep.  Tyler's came great.  He also had a standing pose, leaning against a tree, but I don't have a digital copy of that one... you'll just have to come over to see it!

Brennan, 1st Grade, Age 6

Tyler, Preschool, Age 3

Santa (with glasses)

Last week, when I dropped Tyler off, his teacher excitedly pulled me into the hall to look at the Santa that Tyler had made (pictured below.)  He drew Santa's face with glasses and he was the only child who did this.  It seemed to delight all the teachers!

With all the talk about Santa with glasses at school, Tyler kept asking if Santa had glasses.  I reassured him that he did.  Tyler was loving the attention his picture was getting him and when we went to see Santa at the mall, sure enough, he had glasses!  The boys were SO excited to see Santa this year - Tyler was getting upset that we didn't go sooner.  We usually visit him early, but this year, with Brennan in school all day, it was a little trickier.  Thankfully, we went on a pretty off time and didn't have to wait for long.  The boys asked for the phantom saucer and Santa promised if they kept their rooms clean, they would get it.

This is the Christmas present that Tyler brought home for me and Brian today.  I love it!

Gingerbread Houses

On December 1, our elf, Ogre, arrived on the scene.  His little sign said, "Hi Boys, I'm back!"  Though he usually doesn't come bearing presents, this year, he brought the boys gingerbread houses.  Last year, Brennan wanted to decorate a gingerbread house all season and I forgot to buy one before it was too late.  I happen to run into Trader Joes a couple of weeks ago and saw these kits and decided to pick them up right away.

The boys were really excited to make the houses.  For Brennan, I helped him get the first half of his roof up and he was able to do the rest on his own.  Obviously, I was more involved with Tyler's project, but did my best to follow his lead.

I loved that these houses came with sugar people!  I also liked that their shape was more triangular.  I thought the simple shape would be easier for the kids, which proved to be true.  Everything in the kit was nice and fresh.  Even the gingerbread pieces were slightly soft.  Since making the houses, the boys have  been nibbling the candy off.  Glad I got pictures while they were fresh!