Good Morning December 14th! You are literally my exact favorite time of year. Enough time until Christmas to not be panicking about anything or too preemtively depressed that it's almost over, but still Christmastime! Totally thick in the middle of all the fun this time of year brings.
Last night I cooked at church, a simple pasta bar meal (where I underestimated the amount of red sauce to pasta ratio, darn!) Afterwards I played with the kids who weren't cooking desserts for the homeless shelter memorial dinner next week. We mostly made little festive garlands and played Christmas dictionary. Time feels so easily and joyfully filled this time of year.
I especially love giving gifts. I spend most of the year thinking about what to give people, what my kids need in particular. I've taken to throwing clearance things in the carts whenever I'm shopping for other necessities. Like buying them all new post season discounted swimwear from Lands End when I'm also buying that new winter coat I need at 40% off. It's a great system but means December rolls around and I have 80% of my shopping done. I've learned to save this 20% for some fun last minute things. I do still love just going out to a great toy shop or book store and perusing. I've found some fun things this year.
Books:
Words With Wings a book written in poetic prose this looks perfect for Ainsley. She prefers "quicker" reads and this one treads that fine line between quick enough but meaningful that she loves.
Finding Wonders another prose books written from the perspective of three young scientists. I love the historical content.
Fanny in France a book I stumbled across written by one of my favorite chefs. This book will be perfect to cuddle up with by the fire with the girls and read about the cooking adventures a young girl has in france with her Aunt.
Where the Sidewalk Ends for some reason we JUST got this from the library this fall and Louise in particular was entranced. She laughed out loud over and over so of course I bought it for her from Costco so we can keep the laughs coming.
Berenstain Bears and the Big Car Race a new one to add to our collection, heard towards Felix but we all love them.
Carl Books My mom just helped me discover these and they are a new family favorite. I bought the Christmas one in paperback and we've been getting others from the library. Perfect for Felix's age where he wants to "read" everything.
Zoey and Sassafrass Books a new chapter book series I found that I think both girls (but Louise my ravenous reader in particular) will devour. About a girl and her cat and their scientific adventures and mysteries. Can't wait to read the first one.
Lakeshore Learning: my new favorite store. I stock up on art supplies and small learning games/tools when I go.
Microscope and Slides Ian is giving Ainsley an old REALLy cool microscope for her birthday but if we didn't have that one I'd definitely get this one for the kids. How cool to carry it around and look at everything under it?
The Ultimate Fort Builder I'm always searching for actives to keep the kids happily occupied inside in the winter. Even with the hours of sledding and ice skating there's still lots of down time indoors. I've been seeing these fort builders popping up all over the place and this one gets the best reviews. I'm signed up for their coupons so when I used a 30% off to get this as a joint gift for the kids.
Legos
We're not nearly as lego crazy as we could be around here but they all do love building their sets. I struggle with how specific the sets are though so if you lose even one piece you can't put it back together. I prefer just having a big bin of the basics around but when I saw these winter themed sets I got excited about the possibility of them building them and setting them up in our Christmas village to play with all winter long.
Ski Lift
Ice Rink
Games
The games always come out in the winter and after cleaning out for the rummage sale this fall we were ready for some new ones.
Twister I found this at the thrift shop for $2! Can't believe we haven't owned it until now.
Ticket to Ride My family loves the original and then I saw this juniors version at Target and think the kids will all love it (and honestly this is more at my level of gameplay too)
Battleship a classic that was one of my favorites. Fun to have all three big enough to play it now!
Sometimes I score new craft kits at the thrift shop, Ainsley is getting two AG craft kits this year that I got for about $1 each.
Rebecca Rubin Fashion Kit
Sewing Kit
I of course can't share EVERYTHING, but always love seeing other's gift lists so thought I'd jump in. I hope everyone is having a great December!
