Continuing a tradition we started after Henry's was born, we finally made this year's handprint ornaments last Friday. We don't always get them done before Christmas but we do get them done sooner or later. I have not quite figured out what we'll do when their hands get to big to continue this tradition but it is fun to compare hand sizes when we pull out the ornaments each year.
Christmas Eve was celebrated with church with Grandma &
Grandpa and back to their house for the traditional soup supper. On the way to church Ralph was being generous as he offered to give one of toys he does not use anymore to Santa so he could give it to someone else. Unfortunately the thought was lost by the time we got home. 
Since it started snowing on December 19 Ralph wanted to play in the
snow. I kept coming up with some excuse or other, mostly valid, but thought maybe I could get Uncle Nick to play with Ralph outside for
a bit on the Sunday (December 23) following the storm which would allow Henry to
stay inside where I wouldn’t worry about any breathing issues as a result of
playing outside. Grandpa had other
ideas and roped a few sleds up to the tractor. Grandma joined Ralph and Uncle
Nick teamed up with Henry on the first couple rounds; then Ralph went solo. The boys then rode by themselves while
laying on their stomachs. Henry
escaped to the indoors following the sled rides; Ralph stayed out just for a
bit longer. Ralph was overheard saying
something about “This is what I had planned to do”. Mission accomplished. The boy was happy. I think we all had fun - and luckily Henry's breathing issues were not affected by the time outside. 
After the story the kids sang three Christmas songs followed
by a cookie reception. Henry’s room, along with some other rooms, also
watched the program. Henry did super
sitting with his class and not needing to sit by me, though he did keep his eye
on me. After the show I gave him a hug
and sent him with his class only to see him turn him frown and begin to
cry. Henry stayed with us at the cookie reception
and met up with his class a bit later.
(December seemed to get away from me, just getting caught up a little).Not having the good luck to win a candyhouse session at the Lincoln Children’s Museum for a 2nd straight year we took matters into our hands! Back on December 8, we met up with the boys’ friends Leighton & Turner at their house, with candyhouse kits in tow, and had our own decorating party. Their friend Tyler and his family also joined in the fun. Everyone had fun decorating their own house vs. each family sharing a house this year so there was a bit more chaos in trying to keep everyone going yet still finding time to take photos!
