VioLin's Christmas Eve Surprise

It's been fun sending Violet snaps every morning of the antics of VioLin.

According to tradition, Elf on the Shelf leaves on Christmas Eve and reports to Santa whether or not the child has been bad or good. I found a letter on Pinterest that parent could leave their child telling them that their elf was leaving. I decided to create my own. I'm not quite the poet but I think it turned out pretty well.

For Violet's surprise gift from VioLin, I made her a Mimi for her American Girl Doll. It's exactly like the one she still drags around except much whiter. I had Melissa bring over Violet's afghan so I could take a look at it. It was a little hard trying to figure out where the grey ended and the white started!

Violet was very surprised when she saw the snap video but couldn't quite figure out how VioLin left her a gift. At that age the answer of "magic" is always good. So good-bye VioLin. Have a good year with Santa.

More Fun with VioLin

VioLin has still be up to mischief at my house.

On Thursday, I found him roasting marshmallows at my fireplace.

Friday, he conned Barbie into playing with Violet's walkie talkies.

And Saturday, he was climbing the Christmas tree for one last train ride. Violet's in for a big surprise on VioLin's last day on Christmas Eve!

VioLin Antics

I need to catch up on all the activities VioLin has been doing the days before Christmas.

Lincoln lost his new car that Michele bought him. But the next morning VioLin found it and took the car to the top of the Christmas tree.

I found VioLin in the refrigerator eating Violet and Lincoln's grapes.

The next day VioLin was playing with my yarn.

Then I found VioLin in the bathroom writing on the bathroom mirror.

Violet and Lincoln were playing with the saxophone, so VioLin had to play with it too.

Violet and Lincoln were over and found VioLin climbing up the glass window.

VioLin jumped on the back of the Christmas dog and hopped around while the dog sang Christmas carols.

And today I found VioLin eating the candy from my candy dish. I'm so glad Christmas is almost here. I'm running out of ideas for VioLin.

Ashley Graduates from Nursing School

After 18 long months, Ashley graduated from Graceland University with her BSN in nursing.

I can remember when she started. We all told her the time would fly by fast. Well, for me it has. But to Ashley, not quite as fast.

Nursing students love to decorate their caps for the ceremony.

There's still the boards to take, but Ashley has a job waiting for her with Children's Mercy Hospital in the PICU department. For someone as sentimental as Ashley, I'm surprised she picked this field. Good Luck, Ashley. We're all so very proud of you.

Violet's Christmas Program

There's nothing like going to a Pre-K Christmas program.

I couldn't believe the number of people who showed up. The church was packed.

The best part is the photo op after the program. Violet was all decked out in her new red Christmas dress. She was the prettiest girl in the program.

Violet's stocking hat matched her dress perfectly.

She's getting to look more like her mother every day.

Ah, Jamie. There's probably 100 things going through your mind that you should be doing!

Even Aunt Pam couldn't resist stopping by for the program. Ten days until Christmas. Where does the time go?

Dexter & Kali

Michael and Ashley picked up their new puppies today.

Meet Dexter and Kali. I should have worn a white shirt!

Dexter, a male, is all black with just a bit of white on his paws and chest. Kali, a female, is chocolate brown with white stocking front paws. They are so tiny. They're not much bigger than the stuffed animals I have under my tree. Kali seems to be the more dominate of the 2 - who would have guessed!

Violet & Lincoln Visit Santa

Violet and Lincoln made their yearly trip to visit Santa today.

Violet's getting to be a pro knowing Santa's the one who brings the toys. Lincoln, not so much.

Bass Pro does a great job of decorating for the holidays. Nothing like a little trout fishing while visiting Santa!