The Final Countdown

Anyone else immediately start singing the 80's song by Europe when they saw that title?  Hmmm...maybe it's just me.

But I digress.

Only 2 more days to Christmas!  Yay!  We've already shared the first half of our Countdown to Christmas here.  While there were a few more "oops, we didn't get to that" days the second half, we've still done several activities that are worth sharing.

Like building our first gingerbread house!

The prep work

 

Decorating

Such concentration

Finished product

Aerial view

We also paid a visit to Santa, saw a few of the local animated Christmas light displays, went out for peppermint ice cream (Candy Cane Crunch from Sylas & Maddy's - OMG so delish!) and celebrated Drew and my birthdays.

Reading holiday books has been a highlight this month including some old favorites:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

And several new books as well:

The Polar Express
The Spirit of Christmas
Merry Christmas Splat
Merry Christmas Curious George

We made some treats, including these dipped pretzels for neighbors, teachers and work friends.

Of course, the elf continues to be a source of daily entertainment.  In fact, Jackson wakes us up every morning with a tap on the shoulder and "Let's go find the elf!". 

We discussed giving him an official name this year, but Jackson decided he'd rather just call him Elf.  So Elf it is.

Perhaps best of all was the arrival of Auntie Cortney last weekend who is in town for 10 whole days!  Jackson (and his Mom & Dad too) is loving every minute of it!

Playing with his new Mousekadoer laptop from Auntie Cortney.  She followed the Micky birthday theme, too! 

Only one day left in our Countdown to Christmas.  Our final activity is baking cookies for Santa tomorrow.  I think we'll do Gingerbread this year.

Then Christmas is finally here!