Partying with the College Kids by Denny Lynn

We love when the College kids have parties and we get to go along! This time it was a Christmas party with the 4-H kids. Of course there was food!

I got to help Jenna out with the games - we used pipe cleaners to make Christmas ornaments.

John picked all yellow and he made stars with Mama.

I picked my favorite colors and Jenna helped me make a train!

Then we played jingle box - a minute to win it game - were you have ornaments in a tissue box behind your back and you have to shake them out.

John and I both did pretty good!

Next we had to open a present wearing ovenmits! This was a hard game, but really fun - we had to pass the gift every few seconds and the boxes got smaller and smaller!

John gave up and went to play on the iPad, but I hung in with the College kids.

We also played pass the cotton ball, but we had to use a straw to suck on it and give it to the next person in line.

Finally, we had a present game. Mama said I could play, but I had to remember that people could take my present and not get mad if it got taken away. I did really good and had fun with it - I even got to take gifts from others. In the end I traded with Erika for a gingerbread house kit. I won!

We had so much fun and I appreciate the college students allowing us to participate!

Introducing Keebler the Elf by Denny Lynn

We have a new family member for the holidays! He is an elf named Keebler. He came UPS straight from Santa on December 1 along with a storybook.

He also had a letter to John and me from Santa and a Certificate of adoption.

Each night he flies by magic to the North Pole and reports to Santa on how we are doing - naughty or nice? Some days it is a toss up. He likes to get into mischief! He always comes back from the North Pole ready for fun and we find him in some crazy places each morning. The first morning he came riding home on one of Daddy's trophies. It must have been a wild ride - he was barely hanging on!

Then he played sheriff with Buzz and Woody - not sure if it is a bust or a hold up! I figure a hold up, because  Keebler is the naughty one.

I was not happy with Keebler when he got out all the trains to fill the tracks and then used Cranky the crane for a swing!!

John still hasn't forgiven Keebler for eating the Cheetos! He made a piglet of himself, but he did share and we had Cheetos with breakfast!

Keebler added his own stocking to the bookshelf! His is, as I say, "extra special big". Silly elf!

On Saturday he read one of John's favorite books to all the animal friends. John was very unhappy to see the state of his room!

Keebler took a break from being naughty to worship baby Jesus and say a prayer.

After John pulled over the Christmas tree, Keebler tried to help fix it and ended up tangled in the lights.

Today we found Keebler lounging in an elf bubble bath made of marshmallows. Elves have peculiar bathing habits!

We are having lots of fun with Keebler and he is a good reminder to be good and not fight with my little brother. Stayed tuned for more of his adventures! He gets to stay until Christmas Eve!

Build and Grow Airplane by Denny Lynn

The December 1 Build and Grow was an airplane! It had lots of pieces, but we finally figured it out!

We are getting really good at following instructions and putting it all together. We love going to Lowes - it is a fun way to spend a little bit of a Saturday morning and make a fun project!

Birthday Shopping for John by Denny Lynn

While we were in Oklahoma, we made a stop at Lowes. I took the opportunity to get John's birthday present! It was really fun, because Mama and I sent John with Daddy while we shopped, checked out and hid the gift in the van! We had to be sneaky! I found a great construction set with a hat, gloves and tool belt. I think he will love it!

I even checked out and swiped Mama's debit card myself. So excited to buy presents! Keep it a secret for a couple more weeks!

The Christmas Train by John Lee

I love the Christmas Train! Last time we went I was too little to remember, so this time I wanted to take it all in! I started by checking out the map!

We waited in line to ride the train first thing - Denny and I agreed that the train ride was very important! We got our boarding passes and moved into position! No pictures on the train, but I can tell you it was pretty cool! We learned all about Jesus and what Christmas really means.

Then it was off to find Santa - waiting your turn is not easy for an almost 3 year old!

Luckily, we didn't have to wait long - we were called back for a special meeting with Santa!

I was thrilled - I marched right up and told him I wanted a Space Station and a Molly. Then I climbed in his lap and waited for my picture! Seeing Santa changed my attitude for the whole night!

We warmed up by the fire and then we waved to all the passengers on the train.

My favorite thing was the wagon ride! It was pulled by mules and the cowboys told "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

Next we took a ride on the carousel with Mama. I even liked the up and down horse - I named mine Rosie, like Grandpa's horse.

I loved the playground with the big slides and things to climb on!

Mama wanted to get us a souvenir, but she didn't go for the hat I picked out!

We had so much fun - it was such a blessing that Uncle Jeff could go with us!

I danced and clapped at the music show, in-between looking at the mounts on the wall that is! There were deer, bears and even a moose and buffalo!

I made two circuits on the Elf Train and loved it! I had so much fun and excitement, I fell asleep in the van...

...and didn't wake up until morning! Ahhh, a successful night! I would recommend the Christmas Train to everyone!