We tried something new this year and purchase the Adventure Advent. It’s like our Adventure Challenge, where you scratch off different activities and have to do what is underneath. It was fun to have a few new ideas thrown in the mix with our tried and true. But, before anything else, the most exciting news in our family is that Finn Landon Cornell was born on Nov 26th. He was a whopping 4 lbs 13 oz of pure joy. Nothing makes us happier than having him safely here on this side with us. It’s been a hard year with the loss of his sweet twin brothers. We promise to love him 3x as much in honor of them. I think we’ll always see Finn’s two faithful guardian angels whenever we look at him.
Let’s compare Finn’s adorableness and his parents far superior photography skills. I present to you, Finn in a sock vs Josh in a sock. I can’t stop laughing. And a little side of Mave in a basket of ornaments.
This meme is hilarious 
Chubby bunny with Christmas phrases! 
Blake performed in the first ever middle school drama performances! The 7th grade class wrote, directed and starred in “Forever Happy.” It was sooooo fun to watch Blake put in so much work and effort and have it pay off in spades. 
Decorating Gina’s door as a little seminary thank you 
Dinner under the tree 2021! Delicious, as usual 
Best Sunday of the year. Sunday evening Christmas extravaganza! We made our own Ugly Christmas tshirts and played Bingo 
Much to Luke’s eternal sadness–Claire came out the big winner! 
It hasn’t snowed a single flake on the Front Range yet. It’s the longest it’s ever gone without snowing. But we did get this insane rainstorm that rolled through. 
We are doing some house projects, and our handyman is going to finish up the baseboards upstairs while we are in Utah for Christmas. We had to move lots of what was upstairs to the down. Halle’s stuffed animal sack made me feel like Santa Clause. 
Christmas in Color! 
We made luminaries to light the basement, and the kids built a fort. We watched a Christmas movie and the kids all slept downstairs in the magic of candlelight. Dash couldn’t keep his grubby paws off the luminaries. He had quite the collection going! 
Everyone else had to hunt for their advent calendars. Blake got Pokemon, Josh got “The office” and Halle got Godiva chocolates. 
Country Christmas Parade! 
Late start tradition–ride bikes to Starbucks and get a frappuccino. Blake was less than thrilled to ride his bike, but once he got a shot of sugar in him we had a great time. 
High School Band Concert. I love listening to them, but I always wish they’d play a holiday tune. 
Possibly one of my very favorite moments of this Christmas season–Blake and I put up Christmas lights on the house! It made me so happy every night when they clicked on. 
Josh’s turn to put the Star on the Tree! 
Dash got an advent calendar of his very own. He was especially intrigued with day 5. He wouldn’t stop scratching at it. 
Ferb helped with a very special Secret Santa delivery to the Clark family. Sydney passed away a few weeks ago, leaving a hole of love, compassion, and FUN that will never be matched. Our hearts are broken for Gary, Campbell and Jack.
BanksFamilyFive 