isabelle of the ball: Busy Times for Santa...and for Us!

We are rarely in Ottawa on December 24th, so this year we did our best to make the most of it from start to finish. It seems like we packed a lot into the agenda, especially with last-minute shopping and wrapping also left to complete. However, we survived and are finally all set for the big day tomorrow. The day started early as the kids packed into the Sienna and headed downtown to Mommy's work for the annual kid's Christmas party, an event that we are rarely here for and has historically been a bit of a lame affair. Not this year though! With Mom and her friend Julie on the planning committee, a healthy dose of Christmas spirit was plugged into the party and it was a huge hit for all 70 people in attendance! Face painting, crafts, games, prizes, lootbags and a visit from old Saint Nick with a gift for each child made for a rollicking kick-off to the day for the kids and to the holiday break for all the workers. A ton of fun. A wicked time was already had by all and we haven't even reached Noon yet!

Crafting cutiepies

Belle and Bianca Butterflies

Party planners extraordinaire

After picking up Dad and some frantic last-minute errands, including shopping, final parcel pickups and securing all the desserts for the big Christmas dinner at Matt and Rhiannon's, our next stop was the church for the kid's Christmas pageant. Isabelle, with butterfly face paint still in place, was excited to be dressed as a fairy (more commonly referred to by churchgoers as an angel) and even mustered up enough courage (ha ha) to volunteer her services. Oliver was more concerned with bolting up and down the ramp and checking out the stars, which Isabelle called the magic wands. It was nice to be back in the church where they both were christened, and where we witnessed Matt and Rhiannon's big day. Some great memories were born in this place.

Lending a helping hand to the minister

Can I take this home with me?

Finally home to get the house ready for Santa's arrival. It started off with sprinkling of reindeer food on the front lawn. Isabelle and Oliver wanted to make sure Santa didn't miss this house!

I'm sure they'll see it, Mommy!

Still a lot of stuff to do around the house. Glad someone found some time to relax today!

We checked the Norad site to make sure Santa was off making his rounds, which caused a detailed explanation of time zones to Isabelle. We also connected via Skype to send festive holiday greetings out to Halifax.