Raul Part 2

More of Raul's tricks. He's everyone's favorite part of the morning routine.  

He's back!

Raul made his triumphant return the day after Thanksgiving.  We sure miss him while he is at the North Pole and look forward to his return every year.  We love his tricks.  He brings a whole lot of joy and laughter into our home!!!!  

Christmas Fun, Round 3

Quinn has the most awkward picture smile these days.  Getting  a decent photo is rough, plus she has no tolerance for multiple shots.  Here is an attempt by my to get some photos by the tree.  

Quinn hosted her annual kid's Christmas party, and toy drive again this year.  We moved it to Gardner Village this year, and it was perfect.  The kids went on an elf scavenger hunt, and had donuts and hot chocolate, plus we gathered a nice pile of toys for Toys for Tots.  It was awesome.  

Quinn got a letter back from Santa.

Quinn went to a Christmas puppet show at the library and got picked to help with part of the show.

And of course, Raul caused more mischief.

Christmas Fun, Round 1

We have been having so much fun this Christmas season.  Have I mentioned that four-year-olds rule?  Seriously, I love Quinn at this stage, and Christmas time just makes it that much more fun, even when she gets the Christmas crazies.

We have three advent calendars- a chocolate, a Lego, and an activity chart.  Quinn keeps track of the days, and basically manages the calendars all by herself. The activity chart is mainly simple things like read a book or do a craft, but on the weekends, it includes some big ticket items.  It is a fun part of our after dinner routines.  And of course, she searches for Raul every morning.  He is the best part of our morning routine!

This first week of December, we did a lot.  

We helped my parents decorate their house.

We saw Santa again, and brought Piper along.  I got my 10th picture of Piper on Santa's lap.

Quinn wrote a letter to Santa.

We made Krampus masks.  

We went to Zoo Lights.

Quinn sat on Santa's lap....again.  

She made a princess ornament.  

We went to the Festival of Trees.  Quinn loved the Alice in Wonderland trees!