We had a birthday dinner on Sunday to celebrate my 38th birthday! I was spoiled with cards and hugs form the kids and a fun date night with Danny on saturday night. It feels old to be 38 but I still feel young.

Cute James is starting to get really smiley! He's so sweet. 

We have a fun Christkringlmarkt close to our house. We went one afternoon this week to try the delicious booth that our friends the Drysdale Family had. They were making and selling poffertjes, which are small, little pancakes, covered in butter, jam and powdered sugar! They were delicious and the kids loved them. This market is a fun event. There was a petting zoo, pony rides, lots of booths, and Santa. 

Friday night was the annual Christmas Grandkid Sleepover at
 G & G Shields house. The kids really love this tradition.
They get have a candlelit dinner, open presents, play lots of games, walk to Harmons for Gelato, go in the hot tub, make cookies, get new pj"s, stay up really late, and sleep around the Christmas tree with their cousins.  Lizzie was invited to go this year and she had a blast! 

The older kids stayed up until 1am so they could color on the faces of all the younger kids while they were sleeping. Oh the trouble. 

They really pack in  A LOT of fun in one night. 

Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa for this awesome tradition! They all left happy and excited about Christmas. I'm sure everyone needs a nap.

Lizzie came home from grandma's house and passed out on my bed. She was exhasusted! 

We got our Christmas Tree set up and decorated on Saturday. It's always exciting to decorate the house for the fun holiday. 

Our Elf, "Elfie" made his return from the north pole. He left a message in mini marshmallows on the floor. Isaac and Lizzie really love our elf, and think it's cool, it helps them to be extra good. 

Emily counted today, only 19 days until Christmas!