It's a good time of year to be Scout and Ruby

It's quite the deal around here these days. Turns out, it's all about the kids.

How's this for your life?

Each day you wake up and request a "treat." Maybe not right then and there, but pretty much your wish is granted.

Each day a package arrives and it's filled with goodies for you.

Each day a visit with a friend, beloved family member, or some activity fills your life with joy.

Yep, that's pretty much what December has been like for Scout and Ruby.

Ruby at Addy and Ella's house--visit Dec. 10

Cory with beer in hand

Jasmine and Mulan

Having fun with the cousins

Dance party/dress up party

Anja came over to help us decorate--on December 18th

Little helper

Despite the smiles, this all was a bit more exhausting than I anticipated. Um, I was about ready to pull the plug after most of the sprinkles were on the table, Ruby dumped one whole container in her frosting, and any effort I made to actually frost the cookies was met with little or no help. We had a get-together with another friend in early December and it went so much better. The difference? Two adults.

Here's where my "helpers" were for most of the time I was actually baking

Another "helper" hideaway

Molasses cookies

The kitchen prepped for hard work

Caramel nut clusters--a recipe I tried this year and I'm definitely using again. Awesome and so easy.

Cory and my other "helper"

Opening up presents from Grandma Karen and Papa Matty on Dec. 21st

Scout gets Silvermist--one of the Fairies! (Ruby got Tinkerbell--see, blond doll for blond girl, dark haired doll for dark haired girl)

Barbie the "Zoo Doctor"

Barbie the "Cooking Class teacher"

At the preschool picnic, with Kylie, Hailey, Scout and Braedon (L to R)

I'm very proud of our display of Christmas cards

Scout opens her present from Aunt Lacey (on Dec. 18th)

Oh, a play makeup set! What more could a fancy girl want?

Aunt Lacey helps apply make up (and gets make up applied upon her face, as well)

Ruby's gift (a tent) makes the perfect makeup hideaway

Penny and Travis also enjoy the festivities

"What'd you get Ruby?" --Hello Kitty lip gloss

A visitor to the tent

Merry Christmas!