Advent Calendar: Days 1-7

This year, we started a new tradition (that I hope sticks!). I made this advent calendar, thanks to Pinterest.

Toliet paper rolls and tissue paper are the main ingredients! Super easy. Inside each roll or 'day' is a scripture about the birth of the Savior and an activity. I thought this idea would be super fun, but I was unsure how Ethan and Alexander would like it, i.e. would they understand the scriptures, would they like the activities, etc. Let me tell you....THEY LOVE IT! Ethan asks almost everyday when we get to open the 'present' for the day. Here is what we did for the first week:

Day 1: Scripture- Mosiah 3:5-8; Activity- Decorate the Tree!

 This took forever! We brought a brand-new (fake) tree, and we seriously underestimated how long it would take to make it look like an actual tree!

The final product. All red and gold ornaments, with an angel on top.

Day 2: Scripture- 1 Nephi 10:4; Activity- Decorate the House!

 We put gel clings in the windows...

 ...And they got to hang their stockings by the fireplace...

 ...And we decorated...

 ...And Grandma Street gave them a nativity that they could put up and play with...

 ...And this is what the Living looks like! I forgot to take a picture of everything else!

Day 3: Scripture- Luke 1:26-28; Activity- Make Christmas Candy!

Disclosure: I'm not the best candy-maker, which is why we chose to make chocolate covered pretzels!

Which, of course, they boys thought were super tasty!

Day 4: Scripture- Isaiah 7:14; Activity- Read A Story (no pictures)

Bryan has Mutual on Thursday nights, so the boys each picked a story that we read together. Ethan picked Green Eggs and Ham. Alexander picked Horton Hears a Who.

Day 5: Scripture- 1 Nephi 13:18; Activity- Go to the Ward Party! (no pictures)

Day 6: Scripture- Luke 1:30-31; Activity- Make Christmas Candy!

 In addition to candy, we also made Pumpkin Bread!

The candy: Oreo Truffles dipped in white chocolate. Heaven.

Day 7: Scripture- Matthew 1:18-24; Activity: Draw Pictures for Santa/Papa's Birthday!

I didn't get any pictures of them coloring because I was busy getting Bryan's birthday all set up!

 His 'cake' (Chocolate Cream Pie) and presents!

The boys had such a great time doing all of these Activities! I am so grateful to Bryan for helping and being just as willing to do all of these fun and sometimes crazy things! Stay tuned to see what this next week has in store!