December Misc.

We filled our December with tons of Christmas activities, but there were a few other miscellaneous happenings too. Here are some of our December events that didn't really fit into any other blog category. :)

One cool morning in early December, the boys and I went on a neighborhood scavenger hunt. We got a cute printable from handsonaswegrow.com, but there are tons of cute ones out there for a variety of ages. Cody and Jaden excitedly pointed out all kinds of things I'm not sure they've ever noticed before.

We ended the scavenger hunt with a stop at our neighborhood playground and enjoyed a picnic snack. Recognize the quilt, Marcie? We use it all the time! :)

The morning was one of the cooler ones we've had all season. My sister kept telling me that Texas really does get cold, and it was great to finally feel chilly! :) The cool weather called for a celebration-- we brought out the hot chocolate as soon as we got home!

I guess all I need to do to get authentic smiles out of my boys is to give them chocolate! :) I love their content little expressions.

In mid-December, Chelsea, Kim and I participated in the Jingle Bell 5K Run. You will notice by our attire that the cool weather didn't stick around all month. It was quite a humid morning (not my ideal running conditions!). Despite the humidity, the run was a great experience! I hadn't been very faithful about running beforehand, so it was perfect running with two partners who really pushed me.

Jonathan and Isaiah came out to cheer us on (the race start time was a bit too early for my boys!). Jonathan got some fun pics of the race.

The starting line...

And we're off! Can you pick out all three of us in the crowd? Kim's a bit harder to spot a little further to the right (look for her pink shirt!). The three of us stuck together for most of the race, but we ran a little haphazardly here at the beginning to try to get around all the people walking.

At the finish-- whew! I love running with these ladies! Our next goal together is to run a 10K.

Sometime during the month, I made peanut butter blossoms for Jason to take to a small staff Christmas gathering they were having during his workday. Cody and Jaden were awesome helpers! They unwrapped every single one of the Hershey Kisses that we needed and didn't eat any until the very end, like I had asked. I was impressed! Halfway through their task, though, Jaden said, "This is really hard work!" :)

My dear sister Kim has her birthday in December, so we had the family over for a celebratory dinner. It still feels like such a treat to have family closeby to celebrate these occasions. We are loving it! Kim requested a chocolate cake, so this chocolate bundt cake (with chocolate chips, chocolate pudding, and cocoa) seemed to fit the bill.

Aunt Kim was kind about letting her nephews help blow out her birthday candles.

Ian wanted a turn as well, but Cody had a different idea... 

He had to be part of the action too! Although Cody is only readying himself for blowing out the candles, this picture sure does make him look angry. I love the progression of these two pictures.

Sneaky little guy. :)

This final picture is just one that I took on my phone while we were on a random walk around the neighborhood one day. Lately, we've been talking more walks without a stroller or wagon so that Jaden and Cody actually get some good exercise too. The walking paths around the two lakes in our neighborhood make it really safe for such a walk. We also enjoy pausing periodically to watch and listen to the ducks.

Next up-- our Christmas adventures!