9th Annual Country Kids Re-Cap

 Usually I do our annual Country Kids Party during the warmer months.  However, I just didn't organize my brain full of ideas to make it happen.  In effort to squeeze it in before 2021 was over, I suggested to the kids a Winter Solstice Country Kids party, which they enthusiastically agreed. My kids loved it so much that they want it an annual tradition, so I will write what we did in effort to remember. 

The party started at 4pm, just before sunset.  Instead of having our typical ice cream stand, we had a hot chocolate and homemade pumpkin bread stand until all our guests arrived. We gave everyone glowsticks, which froze, so we will have to think of a better idea for next year!

Then we played games I mostly made up: "What time is it Papa Elf?", Santa Sack relay (which the kids were confused, lol) and then some package tossing competitions with Team Fed Ex and Team UPS (had the adults help, much more successful!), followed by Reindeer Tag. I have kind neighbors who tolerate my megaphone.

We then gathered around the toasty fire and I read Night before Christmas and had Christmas Mad Gabs for the adults while my elves (Thank you Justin and Ella!) spread candycanes all over. Then the kids took their flashlights to find all the candycanes. Festivities were over at 5:30.

The kids chose 3 Dogs Rescue (where we got our dog, Copper) for the charity and we were able to give them a nice donation. 

I dare say that this may have been my favorite Country Kids party yet. Super easy to set up, less materials than usual. Only drawback is the snow made us have to limit how many could come because we had less room to park vehicles with the snow. 

Anyway, thank you to all of our friends who came, I think my kids will remember it forever! I wish I got more photos, but some is better than none! I make sure my kids work, since this is a service project and not just a free for all fun project. Adrian had check in and Audra was the barista. 

Check in:

Snack stand

Games, which look like they are on top of Anna-Kate's head.

Friends

And fire.

Kids say we should do a summer solstice party too. Not sure if I'm interested in hosting a party that requires kids being up past bedtime, but perhaps? Winter Solstice I can see us having again, however.

For fun, here was 2020's pirate treasure hunt.

Christmas Re-cap 2021

Usually I try to keep the pictures to no more than 7 per post. This one will be much longer because our Christmas day was magnificent.  The days leading up to Christmas were not wonderful and in fact were some of our hardest parenting days. But, I'm leaving those behind and focusing on how wonderful Christmas eve with friends (thank you W. family!) and Christmas day with family was. 

I am so thankful for these reusable cloth bags, they make wrapping a snap.   The kids opened their stockings first while dad slept in.  They love how Santa supplies them with snacks mom never buys.  And as a bonus, it's breakfast, thanks Santa! 

Apparently Santa left a couple of brand new things, daddy is the most surprised.

After the Santa is all wrapped up, Audra always insists mom has her coffee and opens the first gifts, which is just the sweetest ever.

Audra got me this bowl that I said I liked, but didn't buy. She swung in and bought it for me and I didn't know! Anna-Kate got me owl socks, candy and a little gnome she made last month and kept a surprise.  Adrian got me a John Deere hat so we can match. 

And my husband was surprised by all the great books he bought me. 

Then the kids gift each other the things they bought for each other. Even Anna-Kate did shopping this year.  I can't remember everything, but I will try to remember a few. Audra got Adrian a John Deere mug and she got Anna-Kate some fancy jewelry.  Adrian got Audra a bike bell and Anna-Kate a box of miniature animals. Pictured below is what Anna-Kate got her siblings: A builders kit and a crazy headband. Fitting. She was so proud!

After that, we opened presents from parents, our wonderful Mary, my dear aunt and uncle and a surprise package from Justin's high school friend (thank you!!!).  It was all a delightful mix of books, crafts, vintage, homemade, personalized and just exactly what everyone loved.

And then daddy.  Well, he's just the easiest to shop for. He got lots and lots of food. Plus the worst movie on the planet that he quotes from (Audra found it for $1 at a yard sale). And I can't believe it...I gave him a book and he dove right in and started reading it (he's not so into the rest of our bookish ways)!

Here is Adrian (the one who organized all the gifts, trash and recycleables as we opened and cleaned up all the mess after...his idea). 

And his loot.

Audra Grace.

And her loot.

Anna-Katherine and her chocolate face from the yummy homemade donuts our neighbors delivered (thank you!).

And her loot.

Then after Christmas, everyone was enjoying their new gifts and I got to just relax for a bit....other than the turkey feast I decided to make (why do I make more work for myself on Christmas, who knows?!).

Christmas Pajamas Photo Shoot

 Mama made Christmas pajamas? They fit, they are/were a hit!

Even Judge Judy approves.  

Who is Judge Judy? Why Audra dressed up my sewing mannequin and cut out a picture of a woman from a magazine to give it a face. It just so happens to be Judge Judy. Anna-Kate wants to sell Judge Judy because she keeps staring at her, but alas, she is not for sale.  I don't really needed added judgment in my life, but Judge Judy certainly gives me a chuckle when I walk by.

Merry Christmas 2021

 The picture that got the most votes, A Merry Lipsky Christmas 2021

I haven't even printed them....but Adrian keeps reminding me to focus on what I did do instead of what I wished I did. (Good advice).  Celebrating I successful took the pictures and that they all cooperated thanks to a wee little bribe of french fries. Merry Christmas, Friends! 

2021 Christmas Pajamas

 2021 Pajamas have been stitched! I am realizing now no one has tried them on, so hoping I will not be altering on Christmas Eve!