weekend recap

Last Thursday, my younger sister, Jen drove up with her two girls to spend the weekend with us. We managed to cram in a bunch of fun festive activities while they were here. 

On Friday, we drove up to my aunt's house to make her annual Christmas cookies, candy canes. the kids loved it. Not only did they make cookies but my aunt read them a silly Christmas story which was adorable and then gave them all Christmas themed finger puppets. As if that wasn't enough, she made hot cocoa and let the little ones eat the candy cane cookies they made. That night, we kept it simple and made pizza for dinner followed by a dance party before bed.   

On Saturday, the kiddos woke up to chocolate donuts and presents under the tree. It was so much fun. Seeing the three exchange presents was like stepping back in time and watching me and my sisters open our gifts. I loved their excitement and their silliness. 

Oliver got some books, a crane truck (that he LOVES) and a sweet framed photo of him with his cousins. I got the girls each a doll from Sophie and Lili, Barny Saltzberg books and a bead kit. 

After presents were opened, we moved to the dining room to make candy cane ornaments like these. They are so easy to make and the kids loved stringing the beads. While the youngest were napping, 

I took Jen and her oldest daughter, S to a local holiday market. 

Shi with her cupcake "mustache". 

We had a great time walking around, shopping and talking to friends of mine. 

We stopped at the holiday cafe for a little sweet treat before heading back home. 

Later that night, we bundled everyone up and took them to the Botanical Gardens to see the lights. 

I love this event, it's one of my favorites! I was so so happy the rain held off and the weather got cooler. It made for a very enjoyable time! The lights were amazing and honestly it gets better every year! 

The kids loved seeing all the lights but really enjoyed these globes that changed colors with the festive music.

Hot cocoa for everyone!

Trains! Oliver's favorite!

We had a wonderful time with my sister and nieces and were pretty sad to see them go but so very thankful they were able to come and celebrate Christmas with us! 

On Sunday, we took it easy and cuddled with this little guy. He was pretty sad to see his cousins go. We watched a lot of Christmas movies on the sofa and had some Farm Burger for dinner. 

Hope you all had a great weekend!