It's what life has felt like this past month. As soon as I would get up for the day, it was like someone had shaken the globe. Except for delicate flakes floating around, it felt like the to do list my head. Never sure which one will get done first, but eventually, they slow and start to settle, and then, it you can see what the flurry of activity was all about.

Fortunately for us, we have wee ones that don't experience that stress. The whole month of December is a magical and exciting time for them. Silliness, while a staple in their daily lives, always helps me get through the occasional madness of December.

I felt like Jonah's school Christmas concert snuck up on us, out of the blue. Surely it was too soon, but we had no choice! Our boy was in the front row, I was beyond happy. Do you see him? He's looking for you too!
There he is! Everyone wave!

The Grandmas made it out and Jonah mustered up his last bit of stage presence and energy for some pictures with them.


The boys (Daddy included) made me quite happy when they came to see me at the Winter Market that I helped organize. I had lots of fun, but was so glad to see their faces because it meant that that one thing, which was probably equivalent to a million of those snowflakes, was finally finished.
For them it meant a photo with Santa and a candy cane.
Perspective, right?

 Traditions at home could not be pushed aside, so we made the usual gingerbread. Each year the scene changes it seems, but this year was the same as last - a gingerbread village. Benett was able to participate this year which was quite fun.
 

 Here he is giving me two apparent thumbs up for their hard work.



 Grampa made it up this year for an impromptu visit. We decided that although he wouldn't be here for actual Christmas, we would still make our own little Christmas. A "festive" meal was ordered, gobbled up, and presents were distributed. The boys couldn't wait to look at the yearly calendar with Grampa.

 We visited.
 We played.
Some had intense conversations apparently.
We read.


Christmas Eve arrived and we celebrated with Joel's family. They boys had a blast with their cousins as usual, and the annual jammie photo was taken. On my cell phone. I promise I won't wait 6 months to put them up though!


And then Christmas morning came.
 Benett will now remember what stockings are for. 
And I will remember to put the laundry hamper out of the way....

The boys got walkie talkies in their stockings this year. Clearly the little one wasn't sure what it was and assumed it must be a telephone! Love his little mind!
 Jonah was pretty excited to get Star Wars pajamas amongst the rest of his Star Wars themed Santa gift.

 He then handed out gifts just like ole St. Nick.

 Although this photo is blurry, this was probably one of the things that made me so happy on Christmas morning. Each year, the boys are able to choose a gift for their brother, usually around the $10 mark. Benett wasn't interested in getting anything for Jonah that was something he would actually enjoy. But while shopping, I spotted a Sonic racing remote control car. He has been into Sonic lately, and I just had to get it. He is in love with it, and I was so excited to see his reaction to something he didn't even know existed, but was over the moon about.

More Star Wars Lego! He was a happy boy this year!

 And little Benett? Oh, he wanted a robot from Santa so badly. Imagine his surprise when that is what he got. He was smitten. For days. Literally, it is all he played with it seemed.


 We finished our day at Gramma's. Jonah practiced the Christmas day lounge for future years.

 Benett played with his Hot Wheels with his uncle.

 And pictures were taken.

 I always try to capture one photo of the boys with Great Grandma, and I felt it that much more important this year since they lost one of them that same day. I'd like them to have some photos of them while we can. But that takes a few tries as you can see. Because sneers, frowns, and feet can make for some bloopers.

 But in the end, we usually get a good one. And again, all is well and settled in our little snowglobe.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!