Santa's Shop, Santa Breakfast, Birthday and Christmas Parties....

Marissa's school hosted a Santa Shop were the kids could purchase gifts for their parents and siblings with the assistance of their teacher and Parents Club. The kids are to place the presents under the tree, but as soon as Brian got home from work that evening, Marissa excitedly opened the bag and handed us our gifts! Marissa ran out of money (I gave her $10.00), so I went through my stash of prizes hidden in my craft box and found some sticker earrings for Marissa to give to Sierra. Marissa gave me a really cute dolphin (fake) diamond necklace - which I was super excited to receive, but Brian unfortunately caught me half asleep in the photo. Brian received a mini flashlight/blue light.

The weekend of December 11th, we, along with our friends the Beck's enjoyed a pancake breakfast at the Brentwood Senior center. Pictured here: Sierra, Mason, Marissa & Chloe. The event was made possible by Heritage High School, whose band performed live during the hour breakfast. Once we were done with breakfast we met with Santa and took a few quick photos with Santa (using our camera) - some photographer was insisting her professional photos were only allowed, but I wasn't about to pay $15.00 a photo, after I already paid almost $30.00 for a few pancakes and a piece of bacon, so the pictures weren't perfect! The girls each wrote a list to hand to Santa, Marissa asked for 1000 Barbies and seems to be winking at Sierra afterwards. HA! HA! Here Sierra read her list to Santa, asking for the Big Foot Monster she saw at Target.

Afterwards we headed over to Brian's parents house to celebrate Brian's Grandpa Joe's 83rd birthday. The girls made him a card and handed him a box of Sees marzipan chocolates -his favorite! Brian's mom, Grammie, tried to get some Christmas photos with the girls, but they were acting super goofy!

The week of December 20th, Marissa's school kindergarten class held 2 Christmas parties, the first one was hosted by Mrs. Deans where the kids had the opportunity to make Christmas crafts, such as beaded candy cane ornaments, shrinky dink charms necklaces, reindeer paper bags with reindeer food inside, and Santa sugar cookies. Here is Madison, Marissa and Julia making their cookies - the table I was sitting to help the children frost and decorate. The 2nd party was held for all kindergartners, a pajama breakfast Christmas party, afterwards the children made gingerbread houses. Since I volunteered during the party, Sierra was able to attend and also had the opportunity to build a gingerbread house.