Warning: Pic and content heavy post! This was a crazy week in the Young house.
We are into week 3 now of Kenny the Elf and we have one week left. It's good this elf only hangs around for about one month a year because making up new ways for the kids to be amused by his antics gets rough for him about half way through. They love it though.
Our week started on Day 12 when Kenny set up a story time for a few of the stuffed animals in the house. He was reading Christmas books to them. The kids found him immediately and at about the same time. Kenzie in all her sassy glory wanted to know "WHAT Kenny thought he was doing with all their books?" Complete with a hand on hip. Will just screamed "Kenny reading books! Story time with books!" Kenzie noticed he was only reading to Will's stuffed animals. I pointed out that most of the books were hers though (they are actually about half and half). I think he would have been reading to her guys if there were more small guys wanting to read available in the middle of the night in the playroom (there weren't).
The activity of the day was to go pick out one new Christmas book each. Usually we go out to the mall and hit up Barnes & Noble for this day but we are crazy, crazy busy this week and had a ton to do on Monday so going all the way out there wasn't feasible. Instead, we went to Target because I knew they had a section of Christmas books. It wasn't as many as B&N but as long as they found one each, we were good. Unfortunately, we were limited in choices. Fortunately, the kids each found something they wanted. Will chose a Llama Llama book (it's a series and there is a Christmas one) and Kenzie chose The Little Blue Truck Christmas book. We (as in everyone that lives in this house and walks on two legs) love The Little Blue Truck series and this one has a light up Christmas tree at the end so the kids were both excited about it. Both books ended up being pretty cute. I think we did pretty good this year. I'm just sad that I couldn't convince one of them to pick out the Santa visits Florida book. It looked super cute.
Side note: That night Kenzie had her Christmas dance "recital". It wasn't super major. The big recital is in June and it is a real show. This was done in a bigger studio in the building and other students and parents watched. Then we had a little area to get some snacks afterwards. Either way, Kenzie had a blast and danced her little heart out. I'm going to work on a post about her dancing this season soon. She has grown so much and is still loving every minute of dance.
On Day 13, Kenny decided to go sledding with some of his pals in the Christmas village.
Our activity of the day was to visit Santa. Every year we go down to Bass Pro Shops to visit Santa. We love it there because most of the Santas (they rotate between a few) are super great and you get a free 4x6 photo with no obligation to buy a package. We have also found that they are super accommodating and nice if you go on a weekday because it isn't busy. We have never waited on a weekday more than a few minutes. Today, we got down to Bass Pro and I got the kids changed into their outfits. Daddy ended up getting turned around because of the construction on I-4 and was a few minutes later than planned. While we waited, we took a few pictures and played some of the things they have hanging around. This year they had coloring, Lincoln Logs, a shooting game, a train, remote controlled cars, a bow and arrow target practice area, and this awesome excavator thing. They kids ran around from one thing to another until Daddy arrived. Then we went to meet Santa. Kenzie was slightly tentative at first but then ran right to him, got a hug, sat on his lap and told him what she wanted for Christmas (and that we have a blow up that looks like him. She told me that she was going to tell him that. She told me at least 4 times today.) Will wasn't as sure. He started walking towards him and then immediately about faced and tried to walk away. I ended up walking up to Santa with him and eventually plopped him down on his lap. He cried for a minute but calmed down pretty quickly and was smiling by the end. Both kids did great and we got a few good pictures. After that we went over and rode the carousel. The kids love this. They set it up every year and it's just a basic carousel but it's still super exciting for them. We played some more after that. The kids and Daddy tried to build a super high tower with the Lincoln Logs. I eventually had to drag them all away from them. We had a great time. The kids loved it and were still talking about it for a few days.
On Day 14, "Santa" Kenny showed up complete with beard to tell the kids to write their letters to Santa.
We have done this two years running now and we LOVE these little pages from Hobby Lobby. They make filling out a letter easy at this age, they are cute, and the kids love it. During the day I helped each kid fill out their letter. I did Will's in its entirety only asking him for what to fill in. Every bit of the fill-in are his words. He just can't write yet. Kenzie told me what to write on hers and then she signed her name at the bottom. We addressed them to Santa at the North Pole. I wrote Will's and then Kenzie did her own with viewing my writing as a guide. (I took a picture like last year so that we can remember what the kids wanted to write.) After Will's nap we took them over to Macy's to mail them. We like to go to Macy's (despite the fact that it is a bit of a drive and I have to take 2 excited children into the mall) because for every letter they receive, they donate $1 up to $1,000,000 to Make a Wish. We found the mailbox easily enough and both kids mailed their letters. Then we walked out into the mall for a minute so the kids could see Santa and the big tree in the center of the mall.
That evening we went to our church's Night of Worship. We had a Christmas themed Night of Worship with family communion. It was interesting because I had to keep the kids in check alone because Steven was working in the tech booth. Kenzie saw some of her friends from her Sunday school class and we went to stand with them so they could all dance and play together during worship. In the past our church has passed communion but this time they had everyone come up to take it and then do communion with their families. Although Steven was working in the tech booth but he was able to come join us and we all took communion as a family. Kenzie told us that the bread was Jesus's body and the juice was his blood. Will wasn't a fan of the bread and announced, "Blegh! Don't like it." and gave it back to me. So... we found a food Will doesn't like. Haha! I took the kids home shortly after communion because it was really late for them but we had a great night.
On Day 15, Santa Kenny hung around and set up a "sleigh" with 8 tiny race cars (and a "Rudolph" car). The kids thought it was hilarious.
Before we could get to the activity of the day, donate to Toys for Tots (or another group collecting toys for children), we had something very important to do. Attend Kenzie's school Christmas play. Grandma, Grandaddy, and Nana came into town to see it. Of course Daddy, Will, and myself were there. Kenzie was a star and she was adorable! She knew all of the songs and appeared to know most of the choreography without needing to watch her teacher much. The entire thing was great! All the kids did so well and I admit... I teared up watching my little star telling the story of Jesus's birth.
After her performance Nana, Will, and I went to get McDonald's for lunch. I feel like I should mention that Kenzie had already eaten her sandwich and applesauce pouch at school then ate and entire 4 piece nugget happy meal and continued to ask for food all afternoon. It was crazy. Anyway, then we went and picked out toys to donate. The kids did well. Kenzie was indecisive as usual but both kids seemed to understand that these toys were not for them and they were excited to donate them. We couldn't find a local Toys for Tots drop off but there was a set up in Wal-Mart for the Salvation Army so we donated there. I love this activity because it is the one when we give back. We can't give a lot, but we think it is very important to teach our children that Christmas is about giving to others. We want them to know that God gave his Son for us. Giving toys or donations in a way we can show them how to participate in the spirit of giving.
On Day 16 Kenny didn't do much but he did leave us some "magic seeds" and a bowl of sugar to plan them in. We get to watch and see what grows overnight. (He did this last year too but neither kid remembered so it was super exciting for them and they loved planting the seeds in the sugar.)
Our activity for the day was an easy one (thankfully after the crazy last weekend and week we had). We were to eat dinner by the Christmas tree. We made pizza as a family to eat. The kids love this project. They get more and more into it every time. Then we found a Mickey Christmas movie on Netflix and set up the kids' table in front of the tree. The kids ate a ton of pizza and some fruit and then we treated them each to a cookie. The movie was cute and kept them entertained.
On Day 17, the magic seeds grew.. candy canes! Unfortunately... Kenzie is super perceptive. She immediately announced that they didn't grow. They had to be put there by Kenny because they had wrappers on them. I told her that they were magic seeds so maybe that is how they grew. Plus, if she wanted to be silly about it then maybe Kenny wouldn't leave them for him.
Our activity of the day was to go to Hollywood Studios to see their Christmas show, Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. We ran a few errands in the morning and then had lunch at Steak n Shake before heading down to Disney for the afternoon. Will took a short nap on the way down there so we were happy about that. We got into the park right as some march thing with stormtroopers was happening. We didn't hang around long to see all of the "show" though because we had a FP for The Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We were a bit early so we decided to stop and see a few characters. Will was still sort of sleepy and in one of his "no character" moods so although he decided to walk near them sort of, he wouldn't go up to them today. Kenzie (of course) had no problem going to get her autographs and hugs. The Little Mermaid show was cute, as usual. Kenzie hid her eyes during most of the part with Ursula. After it was over, we had FP for the Disney Junior show. We haven't done this show in a while and the kids loved it. Kenzie loved it last time but this was the first time that Will was super into it. He was dancing around and wanted to stand through the entire thing to make sure he could see everything. We had a good time. Then we headed over to the Great Movie Ride before hitting up the Muppets 3D show. We have never done the Muppets before and it was pretty cute. Will wouldn't keep his glasses on but both kids liked the show. After that we decided to go find a spot to wait for Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. We got a great spot right in front of the theater where they were going to be projecting the show and sat down to eat the dinner we brought. Unfortunately, I had to carry Kenzie out and then back in again because she had to potty once during our wait. It wasn't easy. The show was awesome! The kids were in awe. Steven and I were too. We are always super impressed with the projection they use and it was incorporated with fireworks and snow. Our "seats" were great too. While we missed the Osbourne Lights, this was a fun alternative. After the show we had one more FP for Toy Story. We have actually never done it before. The kids enjoyed it. Will didn't shoot his little gun but Kenzie did. I had to aim hers though as well as my own. I think we did okay. Steven had the high score in our car but he got to do his own and didn't have to help Will. It was a fun ride. I can see why the FP are so hard to come by and the line is often so long. We headed out of the park after that. Both kids were asleep by the time we got home. It was a LONG day but we had a good time.
On Day 18 Kenny didn't really do much but he came bearing gifts. He brought each kid a gingerbread house kit. Perfect since our activity of the day was to make gingerbread houses.
This is the first year that Will has gotten his own kit. We are glad Kenny brought these on a day that both of us were home too because there is no way I could have done this by myself and both kids. Well, I probably could have but it wouldn't have been pretty. Haha! Before we could get started on our houses though we had to go to a model train display. There is a member of our church that sets up his Lionel train display once every 3 years and you can go see it. They collect donations for Loaves and Fishes. So, we packed up some non-perishables and headed over because our kids (specifically Will) are all for trains. It was quite impressive. I haven't seen a home display like that. There was a scavenger hunt like game that Kenzie loved. She ran all around looking for the items then checking them off on her sheet. Will just watched the train go around and around. He probably could have stayed there all day.
After the trains, we got started with the gingerbread houses. Daddy helped Kenzie and I helped Steven. I'm not sure who got off easier. Kenzie was more independent but Will was less specific and just wanted to throw candy around. After a few issues like a whole house collapsing when Kenzie bumped it and Will dumping half a bowl of candy on the table, we got down to business. Steven and I handled the icing and the kids told us where to put it and then put the candy on. It was tiring, but fun. They were pretty happy with their creations. It was nice having Daddy home to help with it for the first time too. This was actually his first gingerbread house ever... or at least that he can remember.
We now have 1 more week of Kenny. Let's see how it goes. Countdown to Christmas!!!
We are into week 3 now of Kenny the Elf and we have one week left. It's good this elf only hangs around for about one month a year because making up new ways for the kids to be amused by his antics gets rough for him about half way through. They love it though.
Our week started on Day 12 when Kenny set up a story time for a few of the stuffed animals in the house. He was reading Christmas books to them. The kids found him immediately and at about the same time. Kenzie in all her sassy glory wanted to know "WHAT Kenny thought he was doing with all their books?" Complete with a hand on hip. Will just screamed "Kenny reading books! Story time with books!" Kenzie noticed he was only reading to Will's stuffed animals. I pointed out that most of the books were hers though (they are actually about half and half). I think he would have been reading to her guys if there were more small guys wanting to read available in the middle of the night in the playroom (there weren't).
The activity of the day was to go pick out one new Christmas book each. Usually we go out to the mall and hit up Barnes & Noble for this day but we are crazy, crazy busy this week and had a ton to do on Monday so going all the way out there wasn't feasible. Instead, we went to Target because I knew they had a section of Christmas books. It wasn't as many as B&N but as long as they found one each, we were good. Unfortunately, we were limited in choices. Fortunately, the kids each found something they wanted. Will chose a Llama Llama book (it's a series and there is a Christmas one) and Kenzie chose The Little Blue Truck Christmas book. We (as in everyone that lives in this house and walks on two legs) love The Little Blue Truck series and this one has a light up Christmas tree at the end so the kids were both excited about it. Both books ended up being pretty cute. I think we did pretty good this year. I'm just sad that I couldn't convince one of them to pick out the Santa visits Florida book. It looked super cute.
Side note: That night Kenzie had her Christmas dance "recital". It wasn't super major. The big recital is in June and it is a real show. This was done in a bigger studio in the building and other students and parents watched. Then we had a little area to get some snacks afterwards. Either way, Kenzie had a blast and danced her little heart out. I'm going to work on a post about her dancing this season soon. She has grown so much and is still loving every minute of dance.
On Day 13, Kenny decided to go sledding with some of his pals in the Christmas village.
Our activity of the day was to visit Santa. Every year we go down to Bass Pro Shops to visit Santa. We love it there because most of the Santas (they rotate between a few) are super great and you get a free 4x6 photo with no obligation to buy a package. We have also found that they are super accommodating and nice if you go on a weekday because it isn't busy. We have never waited on a weekday more than a few minutes. Today, we got down to Bass Pro and I got the kids changed into their outfits. Daddy ended up getting turned around because of the construction on I-4 and was a few minutes later than planned. While we waited, we took a few pictures and played some of the things they have hanging around. This year they had coloring, Lincoln Logs, a shooting game, a train, remote controlled cars, a bow and arrow target practice area, and this awesome excavator thing. They kids ran around from one thing to another until Daddy arrived. Then we went to meet Santa. Kenzie was slightly tentative at first but then ran right to him, got a hug, sat on his lap and told him what she wanted for Christmas (and that we have a blow up that looks like him. She told me that she was going to tell him that. She told me at least 4 times today.) Will wasn't as sure. He started walking towards him and then immediately about faced and tried to walk away. I ended up walking up to Santa with him and eventually plopped him down on his lap. He cried for a minute but calmed down pretty quickly and was smiling by the end. Both kids did great and we got a few good pictures. After that we went over and rode the carousel. The kids love this. They set it up every year and it's just a basic carousel but it's still super exciting for them. We played some more after that. The kids and Daddy tried to build a super high tower with the Lincoln Logs. I eventually had to drag them all away from them. We had a great time. The kids loved it and were still talking about it for a few days.
On Day 14, "Santa" Kenny showed up complete with beard to tell the kids to write their letters to Santa.
We have done this two years running now and we LOVE these little pages from Hobby Lobby. They make filling out a letter easy at this age, they are cute, and the kids love it. During the day I helped each kid fill out their letter. I did Will's in its entirety only asking him for what to fill in. Every bit of the fill-in are his words. He just can't write yet. Kenzie told me what to write on hers and then she signed her name at the bottom. We addressed them to Santa at the North Pole. I wrote Will's and then Kenzie did her own with viewing my writing as a guide. (I took a picture like last year so that we can remember what the kids wanted to write.) After Will's nap we took them over to Macy's to mail them. We like to go to Macy's (despite the fact that it is a bit of a drive and I have to take 2 excited children into the mall) because for every letter they receive, they donate $1 up to $1,000,000 to Make a Wish. We found the mailbox easily enough and both kids mailed their letters. Then we walked out into the mall for a minute so the kids could see Santa and the big tree in the center of the mall.
That evening we went to our church's Night of Worship. We had a Christmas themed Night of Worship with family communion. It was interesting because I had to keep the kids in check alone because Steven was working in the tech booth. Kenzie saw some of her friends from her Sunday school class and we went to stand with them so they could all dance and play together during worship. In the past our church has passed communion but this time they had everyone come up to take it and then do communion with their families. Although Steven was working in the tech booth but he was able to come join us and we all took communion as a family. Kenzie told us that the bread was Jesus's body and the juice was his blood. Will wasn't a fan of the bread and announced, "Blegh! Don't like it." and gave it back to me. So... we found a food Will doesn't like. Haha! I took the kids home shortly after communion because it was really late for them but we had a great night.
On Day 15, Santa Kenny hung around and set up a "sleigh" with 8 tiny race cars (and a "Rudolph" car). The kids thought it was hilarious.
Before we could get to the activity of the day, donate to Toys for Tots (or another group collecting toys for children), we had something very important to do. Attend Kenzie's school Christmas play. Grandma, Grandaddy, and Nana came into town to see it. Of course Daddy, Will, and myself were there. Kenzie was a star and she was adorable! She knew all of the songs and appeared to know most of the choreography without needing to watch her teacher much. The entire thing was great! All the kids did so well and I admit... I teared up watching my little star telling the story of Jesus's birth.
After her performance Nana, Will, and I went to get McDonald's for lunch. I feel like I should mention that Kenzie had already eaten her sandwich and applesauce pouch at school then ate and entire 4 piece nugget happy meal and continued to ask for food all afternoon. It was crazy. Anyway, then we went and picked out toys to donate. The kids did well. Kenzie was indecisive as usual but both kids seemed to understand that these toys were not for them and they were excited to donate them. We couldn't find a local Toys for Tots drop off but there was a set up in Wal-Mart for the Salvation Army so we donated there. I love this activity because it is the one when we give back. We can't give a lot, but we think it is very important to teach our children that Christmas is about giving to others. We want them to know that God gave his Son for us. Giving toys or donations in a way we can show them how to participate in the spirit of giving.
On Day 16 Kenny didn't do much but he did leave us some "magic seeds" and a bowl of sugar to plan them in. We get to watch and see what grows overnight. (He did this last year too but neither kid remembered so it was super exciting for them and they loved planting the seeds in the sugar.)
Our activity for the day was an easy one (thankfully after the crazy last weekend and week we had). We were to eat dinner by the Christmas tree. We made pizza as a family to eat. The kids love this project. They get more and more into it every time. Then we found a Mickey Christmas movie on Netflix and set up the kids' table in front of the tree. The kids ate a ton of pizza and some fruit and then we treated them each to a cookie. The movie was cute and kept them entertained.
On Day 17, the magic seeds grew.. candy canes! Unfortunately... Kenzie is super perceptive. She immediately announced that they didn't grow. They had to be put there by Kenny because they had wrappers on them. I told her that they were magic seeds so maybe that is how they grew. Plus, if she wanted to be silly about it then maybe Kenny wouldn't leave them for him.
Our activity of the day was to go to Hollywood Studios to see their Christmas show, Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. We ran a few errands in the morning and then had lunch at Steak n Shake before heading down to Disney for the afternoon. Will took a short nap on the way down there so we were happy about that. We got into the park right as some march thing with stormtroopers was happening. We didn't hang around long to see all of the "show" though because we had a FP for The Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We were a bit early so we decided to stop and see a few characters. Will was still sort of sleepy and in one of his "no character" moods so although he decided to walk near them sort of, he wouldn't go up to them today. Kenzie (of course) had no problem going to get her autographs and hugs. The Little Mermaid show was cute, as usual. Kenzie hid her eyes during most of the part with Ursula. After it was over, we had FP for the Disney Junior show. We haven't done this show in a while and the kids loved it. Kenzie loved it last time but this was the first time that Will was super into it. He was dancing around and wanted to stand through the entire thing to make sure he could see everything. We had a good time. Then we headed over to the Great Movie Ride before hitting up the Muppets 3D show. We have never done the Muppets before and it was pretty cute. Will wouldn't keep his glasses on but both kids liked the show. After that we decided to go find a spot to wait for Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. We got a great spot right in front of the theater where they were going to be projecting the show and sat down to eat the dinner we brought. Unfortunately, I had to carry Kenzie out and then back in again because she had to potty once during our wait. It wasn't easy. The show was awesome! The kids were in awe. Steven and I were too. We are always super impressed with the projection they use and it was incorporated with fireworks and snow. Our "seats" were great too. While we missed the Osbourne Lights, this was a fun alternative. After the show we had one more FP for Toy Story. We have actually never done it before. The kids enjoyed it. Will didn't shoot his little gun but Kenzie did. I had to aim hers though as well as my own. I think we did okay. Steven had the high score in our car but he got to do his own and didn't have to help Will. It was a fun ride. I can see why the FP are so hard to come by and the line is often so long. We headed out of the park after that. Both kids were asleep by the time we got home. It was a LONG day but we had a good time.
On Day 18 Kenny didn't really do much but he came bearing gifts. He brought each kid a gingerbread house kit. Perfect since our activity of the day was to make gingerbread houses.
This is the first year that Will has gotten his own kit. We are glad Kenny brought these on a day that both of us were home too because there is no way I could have done this by myself and both kids. Well, I probably could have but it wouldn't have been pretty. Haha! Before we could get started on our houses though we had to go to a model train display. There is a member of our church that sets up his Lionel train display once every 3 years and you can go see it. They collect donations for Loaves and Fishes. So, we packed up some non-perishables and headed over because our kids (specifically Will) are all for trains. It was quite impressive. I haven't seen a home display like that. There was a scavenger hunt like game that Kenzie loved. She ran all around looking for the items then checking them off on her sheet. Will just watched the train go around and around. He probably could have stayed there all day.
After the trains, we got started with the gingerbread houses. Daddy helped Kenzie and I helped Steven. I'm not sure who got off easier. Kenzie was more independent but Will was less specific and just wanted to throw candy around. After a few issues like a whole house collapsing when Kenzie bumped it and Will dumping half a bowl of candy on the table, we got down to business. Steven and I handled the icing and the kids told us where to put it and then put the candy on. It was tiring, but fun. They were pretty happy with their creations. It was nice having Daddy home to help with it for the first time too. This was actually his first gingerbread house ever... or at least that he can remember.
We now have 1 more week of Kenny. Let's see how it goes. Countdown to Christmas!!!
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