Christmas cookies!

Every year we get together with one of my very best girlfriends from college to bake cookies.  This tradition was started way back in 1995 at JMU when four roommates would bake cookies just before going home for Christmas break.  Kara and I continued the tradition after college.  FIVE kids and 17 years later, we haven't missed one year.  Our baking marathons have changed in size and shape... meaning we used to bake multiple types and last all day (sometimes well into the night) and now with the attention span and neediness of our children, we are lucky to get through the sugar cookies.  Kara and I are so happy that our little offspring enjoy this tradition as much as we do! 

Celia was queen of the sprinkles!!

Ella was the most dedicated ... decorating and cutting well after the older two ran upstairs to play!

Mason decorating his special gluten-free cookies! 

Owen's masterpiece!

All five kiddos ... Amelia will be old enough to decorate next year!

Merry Christmas! (Ho Ho Ho)

Last year Mason didn't really "get" Santa.  This year he does.  And he loves everything "miss-miss."  Ever since we took out all of our Christmas stuff, he walks around saying "Happy miss-miss" to everyone.  It is so adorable and has gotten us all into the Christmas spirit! 

I love this time of year and love decorating the house for Christmas.  I'd leave it up all year if I could.  I just love our full fireplace ...  with FIVE stockings this year!

And then there are my two "babies" listing to Santa singing Jingle Bells in the bumbo...

Hope you all enjoy this Advent season!