The kids made Christmas paper-chains for Josh's tent last week and they just got mailed off to him along with a whole bunch of other Christmas stuff today.
I cut a whole bunch of strips of Christmas colored paper and some white strips too (so they could draw pictures and write notes to their dad) before I even picked them up from school.
We even listened to some Christmas tunes to get into the holiday spirit.
That's part of Annie's choreographed rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. ("He knows when you are sleeping.")
They turned out so cool that I want to make some more for the house.
And then we had brownies and vanilla bean ice cream.
Of course Coley wanted to ensure that he had the longest (and most detailed) paper chain of the bunch, so he kept on working long after the girls had grown tired of paper-chain-making.
He is SO my child.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...I hope you can feel how much we love you even from 10,000 miles away.
Awwww. That is love.
Posted by: Donna | November 28, 2011 at 09:44 PM
This just makes my heart glow like ET!!! :)
Karen, you are so creative in expressing love and home. No wonder why Josh Downs loves you so!
Posted by: Robin healy | November 29, 2011 at 03:05 AM
So perfect. Karen make some fabric ones for you home they will last forever. I have the ones my girls made with me 20 years back and it still excites me everytime I bring it out!! If you want instructions let me know.
Posted by: Nicky from Canada | November 29, 2011 at 05:44 AM
Delightful. Josh Downs will LOVE it, and I have a feeling that the chains will be the hit of his battalion. Love Nicky's idea of making fabric ones...The smiles on the kids' faces says so much...what a great post.
Posted by: janel | November 29, 2011 at 05:54 AM
Cute!!!! I love paper chains! and note to self....read your blog BEFORE i apply mascara!!!! Your note to Josh at the end always brings tears to my eyes, and usually your whole post does too!
Posted by: Nicole Ellison | November 29, 2011 at 06:15 AM
so pretty!
what a great wife/mommy you are!
and coley, he just kills me!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | November 29, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Awh how sweet!!
Posted by: teresa b | November 29, 2011 at 09:54 AM
I want paper chains too!
What a great idea to write notes on them for Josh.
Posted by: Kelli | November 29, 2011 at 10:15 AM
gosh, i just love your little family!! sending you more friendly love from California Josh Downs!!
Posted by: karlalala | November 29, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Annie is so cute while she is "sleeping" :-)
Many greetings from Germany to you, your family and Josh Downs!
Posted by: Sabine from Germany | November 30, 2011 at 03:53 AM
Your daily posts and pictures make me smile. Thank you!
Posted by: Cori | November 30, 2011 at 08:52 AM
What a great idea!! I'm sure Josh will love them! Paper chains are the coolest :)
Posted by: Tracy | November 30, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Brilliant!! I love that you added little notes on the chain.. HOW do you come up with this stuff?!! The pictures are gorgeous. Love, love love the light in that room! My daughter made herself a paper chain and has it hanging all over her room. They are so sweet and magical. And Cole is just adorable, he reminds me of my 10yr old son (they should totally be pen pals).
Posted by: Melinda~ | December 01, 2011 at 07:47 AM
Beautiful shots of beautiful children - I lOVE this post. It inspired me to make paper chains with my son this afternoon - so much fun just being together & crafting.
Josh Downs if you're reading this...thanks so much for serving our great country!
Posted by: Alaina | December 01, 2011 at 04:19 PM