Kilbane Happenings

Our Elf, Chris, returned to our new house from the North Pole on December 1. Since we moved into a new house, he's finding all kinds of new mischief to get into!  The kids love waking up every morning to see what he's up to. Here's just a few of his more creative spots. 

Today was Brady's preschool Christmas program and party. He sang so wonderfully! The teachers made the kids' special Christmas shirts for the program. It was all made with their hand, foot, finger or thumb prints. How creative??!! The party was a huge success complete with a visit with Santa! I even got a special present with one very cute handprint.

So we figured we just cram as much Christmas cheer as we could into one weekend! After the parade yesterday, we went home to warm up before having to be at the Kennesaw town square (or as they call it "The Depot") for the town tree lighting ceremony. Brady's preschool class sang some Christmas songs to put everyone in the Christmas spirit.  After his singing performance, we grabbed some dinner and then walked across the street to the Souther museum of civil war and locomotive history (or as my kids call it "the train place"). They were having a Polar Express Adventure from 6-10. The kids could make crafts, see the train which was decorated with lights, listen to stories and visit with Santa complete with cookies and hot cocoa. The kids had a lot of fun!  This morning we had brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Brookstone Country Club. The kids enjoyed visiting with Santa and telling him their wishes for Christmas. We had a fabulous brunch and headed home to r...

We did it! After having 75 degrees temps yesterday and Thursday, winter decided to return. It was a brisk 45 degrees at the start of the parade. We had bleacher seats so we didn't have to stand but it was quite chilly! Once the parade started, the kids loved seeing the balloons, bands and groups that marched. There were lots of fun characters in the parade too. We even saw Santa! When it was over we headed home to warm up. We're now watching The Grinch, drinking hot cocoa and warning up by the fire! 

Last night we headed to midtown Atlanta to spend the night before the big children's Christmas parade today.  When we arrived it was 70 degrees at 7pm!! We decided to check out Atlantic station-an outdoor plaza of shops and restaurants. Being that it's the holidays, it was all decorated for Christmas. We enjoyed looking at the lights and window shopping. There was even snow....well, sort of. More pictures to come today from the parade! 

We're all decorated here and ready for Santa! Our elf, Chris, has returned to keep watch over the kids for Santa. Who know what kind of mischief he'll get into this year??!! He got stuck in the fireplace doors upon his arrival and even wrote the kids a note announcing he was back.  A new tradition we've strarted this year is having our own Advent wreath. The kids helped me make ours with flameless votives, ribbon and an old wreath.  We lit the first candle and talked about preparing the way for the birth of Jesus.  The kids will be learning about this all month in school. They really enjoy this new tradition. 

Thanks to their early planning ahead, Grandma and Grandpa K were able to score some pretty hot tickets...tickets to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express (via the Cuyahoga County Valley Railroad). I picked up some super cute Santa PJ's for the kids, Grandma and Grandpa K made up the tickets (complete with gold glitter and all) as well as copies of the book The Polar Express  . We set the scene with a small tree, all lit up, so they would be surprised when they woke up. They opened their gifts and put all the pieces of the puzzle together....they were so excite to be going on the Polar Express! The train departed at 7pm. The story was read on the way to the North Pole and they were served Hot Cocoa and cookies. Once we arrived at the North Pole, the elves were there to greet us. Santa even came riding by on his own private Santa train. It was then time to head back home. As we pulled away, the kids all thought they might get a visit from Santa....they were right. He and Mrs. Cl...

This year we spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Cleveland. The kids were so excited to get to spend several days at Grandma and Grandpa K's house! We had a lots of festivities planned and one big surprise (you'll see in separate post). Brady was off school all week and he got to bring the class pal "Fuzzy" home for the holiday. So we brought Fuzzy with us (in tow, on the airplane and everything!). Kaitlyn had a half day Tuesday so we decided to head out of town early. Wednesday we took the kids see the new Disney movie, Frozen. They loved it. It was really cute. Thursday was your typical Thanksgiving day filled with cooking, merriment, eating and football! Friday we had quite the surprise for the kids.....A trip to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express! Below are pictures from our Thanksgiving day.... Brady and Fuzzy helping set the table Coloring in their Thanksgiving activity books I made Family pic... My three loves....