Christmas countdown, day 18

Today, the pictures tell the story.

And some had to have their pictures taken individually.

Christmas countdown, day 17

Today's countdown gift was a real treat and something the kids will thoroughly enjoy doing. The giant pad of picture searches immediately caught their attention.

Especially for the two searchers who always turn first to the hidden pictures pages of their "High Five" magazine each month, the activity pad will be a favorite. With holiday themed scenes, the searches provide both picture and text lists so readers and non-readers alike can take part in the fun.

Happy holiday hunting.

Christmas countdown, day 16

The theme of the day around here was snowmen. Before the flakes even stopped falling this morning, the kids were in the backyard equipped with hat, scarf, walnuts, carrot and raisins to construct a Frosty.

Try as we might, the light, fluffy snow in our yard simply wouldn't cooperate. After futile attempts, they were off to make snow angels, zip down the snow-covered slides (slick snowsuits make for really quick rides) and bury their faces in the snow (quickly realizing this isn't a good idea).

What they found wrapped for today's surprise, though, remedied the lack of a snowman this morning. A singing, dancing Frosty. Once you help him in placing his magic hat on his head, he sings and twirls in a circle.

Frosty also came wrapped with a "The Snowman Band of Snowboggle Bend" book. Seeing that we spent this afternoon re-reading the books from yesterday, this put some fresh reading material in our hands.

Christmas countdown, day 15

It was just today during lunch conversation that the kids and I decided what, in our opinion, makes the "best" Christmas gifts.

First, Alysse declared "books." This coming from a house with three bookshelves full of kids' books. The operative word being FULL. Where we'll put another (bookshelf, that is), I don't know.

Alivia then chimed in with "games" ... to which we all agreed. Our memory games are popular, as is the Hisss game that, by Alivia's tally, we've played 299 times. I would certify her estimate as quite accurate.

Finally, we rounded out our list with movies. The kid-friendly kind that everyone hunkers down to watch on Friday night (with a bowl of popcorn and M&Ms). "The Search for Santa Paws" is the latest favorite among the gang.

So, having compiled our list, the books wrapped up as today's countdown gift were most definitely well received. I don't know that books have ever NOT been welcomed around these parts.

Needless to say, we quickly got to reading.

Christmas countdown, day 14

Here are two little faces with Christmas all over them. The peace, the beauty, the excitement, the smiles.

This view of Christmas is brought to you by the small, equine ornaments they unwrapped today. Appropriately suited to each kid, each has its own personality and theme.

The ornaments are adorning the tree, as the smiles adorn these faces.