These are a few of our favorite things

During the Holiday season, things seem to get so busy and hectic.  But here in the Wennerstrom home, we are actually making the committment to do the opposite and slow down!  Things have been so busy and hectic here the last few months...but we have been finding ways to just slow down and spend family time.  One big change is I finally left my Wednesday job in Early Intervention.  I really loved the job, but didn't love my kids having to go to daycare one day a week.  They are growing too fast, so I have decided to make the committment to my kids and stay home.  I still watch kids 2 afternoons a week...and starting in January I will be watching one of my best friend's daughters one day...but I still get to be home with my kids fulltime and that's the best holiday gift for me!!!!!

Here are a few of our favorite things we have been up to lately.

Xmas Letters to Santa

Abigail is really into Santa this year (although still won't sit on his lap).  The other week we sat down and made her letter to Santa.  Then, she started Caitlin's letter to Santa.  Abigail asked Santa for 3 things:  Ariel Barbie, Jumping Dolly, and Princess Dress-up Outfit.  Caitlin asked Santa for 2 things (because Abigail started to lose patience for the process):  Farm and Music Player. 

Santa has a mailbox in our park district.  We took the letters and mailed them to Santa....and are waiting to see if her gets them!  We think we have been very good and can't wait to see if Santa comes down our Chimney Xmas morning (although Abigail has requested Santa stays downstairs and not come upstairs)...

Nativity Set: 

I have always loved Nativity Sets and got a very nice one from Rob's grandma a few years ago...but this year we decided to get the kids their own, kid-friendly one.  They have been playing with it a lot and Abigail has been telling me all about the story of Baby Jesus (who is a girl in Abigail's story by the way)! 

Elfer the Elf: 

Meet Elfer, our Elf on a Shelf.  It's a fun family tradition.  You name your elf (Abigail and Caitlin picked Elfer) and every night after we go to bed, he flys to the North Pole and tells Santa if we have been bad or good.  Then, the next morning, we find him somewhere else.  We love looking for him every morning.   Our Elfer has been focusing on eating this Xmas.  Abigail is not the "best eater" but has lately been eating everything on her plate, then showing Elfer her plate and making sure he goes and tells Santa she ate all her dinner!  We think Santa is proud of her!

Play Time: 

Abigail has been really into puzzles.  Both the girls have been really into 2 things:  building and dolls.  They have blocks and will build for hours.  They also love their dolls and play with them all day (feed them, put them to bed, etc).  If anyone is looking for Xmas ideas, anything blocks related or doll accessories (feeding things, carrying things, etc) are all great ideas!

Sledding: 

Sledding is just FUN!!!!!

Those are a few of our favorite things this holiday season!