Advent Dinner

Last night we went to the in-laws for Advent dinner.  In the past we were asked to go every Sunday of Advent for dinner, but once we had children, we requested to change that since it was too much for our family and it took up every possible weekend when December tends to be pretty busy in general.  Now my mother-in-law is happy if we attend the first Advent Sunday for dinner.

My mother-in-law always finds cute gifts for the kids to help them remember the meaning behind Christmas.  Last night they were given a bear that tells the story of Christmas when you push his foot.  Also we were given a cloth Advent calendar filled with numbered bell ornaments for every day in December counting down to Christmas.  James loves the magnetic Christmas tree we got previously where we add a numbered ornament every day in December leading to Christmas, so I am sure he will enjoy the bell ornaments as well for our real Christmas tree.

After dinner my husband, James and Grandma worked together to build a gingerbread house.  This is the first time James has done a gingerbread house, and he had a good time...mostly sticking his finger in the frosting and eating it along with some of the candies.  However, James did sprinkle lots of candies on top of the house as well.

When the gingerbread house was finished, we all went for a little walk in the neighborhood to see Christmas lights, but there weren't many to look at.  Then we headed home.  It was a busy and fun evening at the grandparents.