We've had so much fun this Christmas season. We've been so lucky in that we've been able to check off all our holiday bucket list items. The weather has been unusually warm and it's actually been a beautiful December.
I had the amazing privilege of working on a "Giving Machine" committee again this year. Just like last year, I served on the "decor & visitor experience committee" and it was so great. We changed locations for the giving machine this year and it was a great location. We worked hard to make the machines look amazing and we decorated for about 16 hours over two days. Just in time for the "ribbon cutting event" on December 11th. I was very grateful to work with such amazing women on this committee and the ribbon cutting was a huge success.
That same day, I took the kids to visit Santa on the square and then we met Chris at the machines to make our purchases.
Santa and Ms. Clause were amazing and so cute with Benson. Tucker also talked with Santa but Bailey and Tanner decided they were too big this year.
After we visited Santa, we met Chris at the machines and went to make our purchases. These machines are the most incredible way to give to our local charities and global ones. This year our Giving Machines supported 6 local charities including "Sleep in Heavenly Peace", "The Ronald McDonald House", "Pedal it Forward", "Havenwood", "The Salvation Army" and "The Boys and Girls Club" with the two global charities being "Water for Good" and "Mentors International".
This year Bailey bought a "hearty meal". Tucker bought a pillow and Benson bought both a pillow and a warm blanket. Tanner bought a "Water pump repair" kit. Chris picked the "grocery kit" and I bought two chickens. It was so fun to see what each person picked and why. The kids used their own money to make their purchases and I am just so grateful for opportunities like this to teach my kids about giving and loving our fellow man. It also helps them realize how much we have to be grateful for in our lives. It was a wonderful way to celebrate this season.
After my part in the GM was done, my life got a little less hectic. I did celebrate by going out with some friends to this cute underground Christmas bar called "The Miracle on 2nd Street". It's always so cute and decked out for Christmas and they added a bunch of "mocktails" this year that were holiday themed and delicious. We wore our ugly Christmas sweaters and had a great time.
Tanner and Bailey also had their holiday band concert. They did a great job and they sounded great. Oh and Tucker got to be part of the "Giving Machine" float in the Bentonville parade. I had help with the float prep but I wasn't planning on being in the parade. However, the day of the parade Tucker was at the Lanoy's house and so he ended up going with them to the parade and being in it with them. He loved it.
On Sunday we had all the cousins over to make gingerbread houses. I put together a little party set up and the kids had a blast. Their gingerbread houses were mostly out of control and covered in so much candy but they had so much fun making them.
The cousins love playing together and just hanging out so it's always fun to have them all together. However, we were missing our Allred cousins.
Then on Monday, we drove down to the Drakes' house and they made us dinner and then we went to the Fayetteville square to see the "Lights of the Ozarks".
The kids love getting to spend time with their cousins so this was super fun. At Chris' request I made "wassail" for us to take with us and it was super yummy. The lights on the Fayetteville square were beautiful and we had a great time.
After we finished at the square, we drove over to the fairgrounds and went through the drive-thru lights. This was a massive display all set to music and we all loved it. We took Clark and Danny in our van and the kids had so much fun together.
On another night we did our "Minivan Express" and it was great. This is one tradition that I hope we never outgrow. The kids found their Christmas pjs and gold tickets on their beds and everyone got changed and we loaded up into the van. We found some great new houses this year with amazing light displays. It was lots of fun.
Then yesterday, poor Tucker woke up sick. He was so sad because we have alot of plans.
Today the rest of us went to help with the "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" bed delivery day. We got to deliver and assemble 4 beds to two different families. It was incredibly rewarding and I'm so grateful that we got to find another way to serve this holiday season.
Chris and Tanner assembled the beds and Bailey, Benson and I took care of the mattress and the bedding. It was fun and it felt so good to help others.
After getting back from the bed delivery, I took Tucker to the doctor. Turns out he only has a bad cold. I feel bad for him since there isn't much we can do for a cold and he doesn't feel great.
Last night we did our last Christmas bucket item- "The North Polar Express". Sadly, Tucker didn't feel up to coming so he stayed home and the rest of us went. We got there early and and we were close to the front of the line. So once they opened we didn't have to wait long.
We had a great time but we missed Tucker!
Then today we were able to attend our Christmas Sunday church service. It was a beautiful service with amazing musical numbers. I always love Christmas Sunday.
After church we headed to Mtn. Home to spend the next two weeks with all my family. We are so happy to be here and can't wait for everyone to arrive. It's the best. Only four days til Christmas!!!
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