Biscuit was so jealous she couldn't attend Crafty Slumberland she wanted to host her own. Since I'm not up for a sleepover it became Crafty FUNderland for Biscuit, her three cousins and three dear friends.
This turned into an excuse to clear out some languishing craft supplies and try some recycled crafts.
We painted plaster and birdhouse ornaments I've had lying around for years.

We also did the oldest craft in the book (and it was a hit)! Yarn wrapped cans to use as pencil holders or planters.

We moved on to the second oldest craft in the book--watered-down-glue-decoupage-tissue-paper-jars-votive candle holders. Biscuit wasn't interested in this craft when were planning but it was a hit too. No photos, the jars were gift wrapped as soon as they dried and secreted away for gifts.
The project Biscuit was very excited about (which was not a particular hit) were "caperons"! it's a cape OR an apron (depending if you add straps) and it's made from an old/stained/ill fitting t-shirt. Of course the idea is from Pinterest. Ironically, looking at the photo I'm realizing we cut the neckline wrong. Oops ;)

I can't show the finished project I photographed (it's a gift!) but I can say my youngest niece finished her cape and wore it the rest of the day. After the capes/aprons were cut out we did potato printing with fabric paint. Those who didn't make caperons printed lunch sacks for gift wrapping (this wasn't as popular as I'd hoped).

While all this was going on we were making (giant) homemade peanut butter cups in the kitchen (yum!) and several kids LOVED the typewriter I set up to type labels etc.

We ate pizza (baked at the neighbor's house--our oven is on the fritz which doesn't bode well for our upcoming holiday party), lots of Trader Joe's brand "pirate's booty" many black olives and a few tangerines and carrots. Along with peanut butter cups.
Oscar and Mr. H mostly stayed out of the way but after the big kids left, Oscar took his turn at the typewriter.

All in all a big success and Biscuit got super excited about making holiday gifts. She kept going when the guests left and has been a busy little elf.
Speaking of elves--we got our tree yesterday just before the apocolyptic storm blew into town (sheesh, the rain in the last 24 hours!). We chose a smallish tree and agreed to put it on a table just out of reach of tiny, inquisitive hands. Biscuit and I were admittedly disappointed with our scrawny tree but considering our primary box of ornaments (and tree lights) is missing it's not a problem. So, Biscuit and I like tree decorating. Mr. H decidedly does not and Oscar is no help whatsoever. After he (Oscar) was in bed Biscuit and I set to work.
We had all the boxes out (sans primary ornament box) and Biscuit noticed one was labeled "Open First!" "Advent calendar and Elf on the Shelf" (note: I finally got smart and put all the early December stuff in one box labeled "open first!" which is genius if you don't always open holiday decor during Thanskgiving that is UNLESS your kid sees the label)
Shit!
"The Elf!" Paige exclaimed. For a kid who, at 4, couldn't have cared less about that dumb elf and asked Santa for "princess shoes" for Christmas she is SUPER excited about the Elf this year (and last year).
"You can't touch it!" I exclaimed. "Don't open that box!"
Of course she did but right on top was the scrapbook I (finally!) started of all our Christmas cards and letters mailed for the last decade+.
"Oh, you can totally look at that cool book," I told her. "It's all our letters!" The instant she was distracted I snagged the Elf and discretely set him on the mantle.
Moments later she noticed him in awe. "Mom! The elf! He flew up there!"
I honestly can't tell if she believes or if she's stringing me along (she asked me a few weeks ago if Santa was real and I hedged and asked what she thought--no conclusions were reached). If she doesn't believe I give her credit--she's a dang good actress. Tonight she left her Santa list for the Elf and in a parenting moment of glory I REMEMBERED to grab the list and move the Elf to a comfy spot on top of our mini tree.
For the record, she's upgraded from asking for velcro shoes. She'd like:
- a phone
- farmer tools
- $200.15 (check)--yes, the $0.15, why, I don't know. And, yes, it says "(check)"
- American Girl Doll Clothes
I know she's getting some doll clothes. The farmer tools are a decent bet. Santa's ignoring the rest.