Christmas is Coming

Our Christmas preparations have been underway for awhile. Elfie the Elf showed up December first, ready for a month of hijinks and spying. 

Actually he is a slothful elf, spending days at time in the same place, but he does occasionally change his vantage point. The kids like to write him notes telling him how good they have each been (and how naughty the other has been, hmm!)

Olivia helped decorate by making a handprint Christmas tree.

Jackson opted to paint a nutcracker instead.

I even got in on the arts and crafts action, turning our door into Frosty.

The stockings are hung.

The tree is lit.

Here's a throwback, such baby faces!

I made my annual batch of magic cookies (or Hello Dolly, 7-layer, whatever you call them!) using the PPK recipe.

We've also been eating a lot of popcorn tossed with nutritional yeast. I think I'm late catching onto this, but it really does taste like cheese popcorn! 

These accidentally-vegan cookies came free with my dish soap purchase. For real, HEB, your buy-one-get-one deals are both crazy random and awesome.

Soups are always good for chilly evenings and saving a few calories in preparation for Christmas feasting! This was the Butternut Squash & Apple Soup from Appetite for Reduction. It's made with apple cider and it was super sweet as a result. We all thought it was a little too sweet, for a soup.

Finally, look who we came across in our neighborhood, just hanging out by the gas station! Thank you, hood Santa, for saving us a trip to the mall.