Happy Solstice!

The days only get longer from here, so that's got to be a good thing, right?

We are celebrating today by making "solstice bread men." (if I can make it to the store for more molasses) That doesn't sound made up at all, does it?

We've been dutifully completing each advent activity our elf leaves for us in the calendar each night when we're asleep. Here are some highlights:

Trimming the treeVisiting Santa Claus at the mall (illegal picture compliments of Grandma)

Going to see lights at or local park with the cub scouts

The Christmas villages in Ogden

Painting nutcrackers (and me and M going to the ballet)

Handmade cards
Finger painting with pudding

Children's ornament exchange wizards (from over at the Crafty Crow)


And of course the kids look forward eagerly to what showed up on the doorstep the night before- along with opening a wrapped surprise from Grammy every day starting 10 days before Christmas. We are crazy spoiled this year, and of course it won't ever make up for the loss of our little boy- but it sure does make things easier to know we are so loved and cared for.

Let the winter begin!