Gingerbread Fun

Tonight after supper we did the gingerbread house. It's something you've got to do every year even though you don't eat it and the entire house eventually ends up in the trash. Even though it's a big waste of nasty stale gingerbread the kids could not wait another way to do this. This year I had bought a pre built house kit from Costco and we used our extra candies bought at the Bulk Barn for extra decorations. It was way easier to have the house already to go, no added frustration from the walls always falling over or the icing not being thick enough to hold it all together. Way easier.
The house turned out great, the kids loved it and now it will be our kitchen table centrepiece until it makes it's departure.

Sammy Day 17: The Piano Man

I guess Sammy has yet another hidden talent: He can play the piano, or he likes to pretend. Maybe the ladies Barbies like it?

Sammy Day 16: Hide and Seek

I was a little confused this morning when I woke up and the kids weren't dragging me to Sammy and showing me what he was up to. Instead Sammy was hiding and the kids went to school thinking Sammy didn't come back today. Thankfully during the day Madison was able to spot Sammy's little legs hanging out of the lamp shade and let the kids know as soon as they got home from school.
I think Sammys workout from a few days ago really helped because it has got to take a lot of strength to hang on like this all day long:

Sledding Beattie Style

I think it's sad when -15*C weather is a warm break. It's still too cold for me to be outside and enjoy myself but the kids don't seem to care. Today Ryan hooked up the sled to the back of the kids dirt bike and took them for a few rides. Our long gravel driveway has been packed down with snow for weeks it's perfect conditions for a slippery ride. Ryan would take them around the loop in front of our house, down the driveway and then turn around at the end of the cultasac and then come back for another loop. The puppies for a few doors down apparently wanted to get in on the action and followed them home.
Maybe next year we can just tie the sled to all the neighbourhood dogs and have them take the kids for a ride.

Sammy Day 15: Bath Night

I guess we know how Sammy keeps himself clean. I'm not quite sure how well mini marshmellows clean off the dirt but in the least he's going to small amazing!

Sammy Day 14: 12 More Days To Go

It looks as though Sammy is excited as we are about Christmas. Now hopefully he keeps his greedy butt out of my candy stash.

Sammy Day 13: Ho Ho Ho

Sammy had a fun surprise for the kids this morning. He had Santa email a personalized message for each of the kids to his email account. We found him sitting at the computer with his email account open and a little sticky note asking the kids to click on the link. When they did Santas video opened up and he addressed each child, told them what they wanted, if they'd been naughty or nice and gave each a challenge to work on over the next year.

If anyone has never done these videos before, my kids absolutely love them. You can check it all out here and ask Santa to put a little message together for your little ones, or for you!

Sammy Day 12: Let's Get Physical

I guess Sammy thought he should work on those scrawny arms of his because we found him pretty much getting flattened by my weights this morning. Poor Sammy, maybe he should have started with a toothpick.

Sammy Day 11: Sack Races

It looks like a close race with tiny reindeer almost crossing the finish line. I'm pretty sure that's not the order they were placed in to begin with but I'm not surprised to see the order changed as Brayden was first awake and now his stuffy is in the lead. Everyone else seems to be spot on so at least he left Sammy alone. Speaking of Sammy, it looks like he can't take his eyes off Barbie. Is it because she's so beautiful or because her hair is stuck in that crazy position?

Sammy Day 10: Sugar Munchies

Sammy was taking up someones seat at the table this morning showing off his breakfast of champions. Is this really the type of food Elves live off of? Don't they worry about sugar bugs or do they have a really great dental plan? Maybe I'm just jealous but seriously, he needs a really good multivitamin.

Sammy Day 9: Tree Climbing

Sammy tied himself up a handy harness and was making his way up the Christmas tree this morning. He only made it half way up before the kids woke up, better luck next time Sammy.

Sammy Day 8: Candy Binge

Sammy spent his free time binging on the kids Halloween Candy last night. We busted him in their stash trying to get into some cheesy's this morning. The kids must have been nervous about accidentally touching Sammy and causing him to loose his magic because no one asked for a treat yesterday.

Sammy Day 7: Snowball Fight

I guess it's too cold outside for Sammy to have a real snowball fight, he has to dig into my secret marshmellow stash instead. At least he has a worthy opponent with Operetta the Monster High Doll, she's seems to be doing quite well considering she only has one hand (a war wound from a different battle named Sydney).
When I woke up this morning and went to make sure the kids were getting ready for school I busted Brayden with some of Sammys snowballs in his mouth. Thankfully Sammy had restocked in time for the picture! Now that the pictures are taken its fair game. I'm sure I'll find Madison with her mouth full at some point today.

Sammy Day 6: Sledding!

Sammy was ready for some action this morning. He got himself ready to be launched before the kids woke up. All they have to do is give his little sled a little tap and he's going to fly down the rail!