Christmas Festivities

Decorating for Christmas...

It's always fun to get out the boxes and set everything up. The kids had fun with their Santa hats and the big "candy" cane. Lili even pretended to be a reindeer and Julia was
Santa. If you look closely, you can see Lili the reindeer pulled Santa-Julia around in their "sleigh."

The next day, we picked out our tree, brought it home and decorated it! Simon really enjoyed his ornament this year. (Well, he enjoyed tasting it anyway).

Nativity exhibit...

Every year our church has a nativity exhibit with singing groups who perform. I enjoyed singing in our choir again this year. Christmas music is such a big part of the season! I just love it!

"You can look at the nativity sets kids, but please don't touch!"

Gingerbread Houses...

My mother-in-law's tradition lives on...only this year it was BIG! We reserved our club house for a night and hosted a Gingerbread House decorating party for some of our friends. It was a lot of fun. The kids enjoyed decorating their houses (and eating as much candy as they wanted). Julia decided she wanted to make a "log cabin" this year (all her idea). It turned out so cute!
Nate worked hard making frosting for everyone and I tried to mingle a bit and help where needed (more frosting anyone?). My house didn't get done, but it was probably a good thing because Simon climbed on it in the car before we left to go home and it collapsed. Oh well, there's always next year!

Parties...

Our good friend Stacy had a little Christmas party for all her little buddies one night in December. Julia took a picture she drew just for Stacy. There was candy, games, laughter, crafts and a whole lot of fun! The kids had a blast! Thank you Stacy!

Our church Christmas party was a family home evening style one this year. There were stories, musical performances (including the primary children and bells - always a bit risky, but they did GREAT!), a hot chocolate "bar" and a dessert table. It was delightful! There was even a surprise visit from Santa!

There was no pulling the wool over my kids eyes though. They knew he was someone dressed up as Santa and they kept trying to figure out who it was!

I was glad to be able to go to Julia's Christmas party at school. I brought a fruit platter that looked like a Christmas tree (thanks to the suggestion from, my previously mentioned gourmet friend, Christine).

The Polar Express...

A nearby town has a charming historic train and every Christmas they offer rides on the "Polar Express." And this year, we finally got to ride on it! Okay, okay, technically they call it the "North Pole Express," but I'm sure that's just to get around any trademark disputes. But for all intents and purposes, it was the same thing! We went with several of our friends and enjoyed the memorable night together...complete with the song singing and dancing while we waited to board, the ride itself, and the visit from Santa! Topping off the night, Nate, the kids and I watched a glass-blowing demonstration and then watched the light show in the cute little downtown area before we headed home.

One more party...

What would the Christmas season be without...

white elephant gifts?

We went to a fun party at our friends' house. We enjoyed delicious food, great company, laughing at the funny gifts. It was so much fun!

Christmas clothes...

The Sunday before Christmas. The kids got to wear their new Christmas dresses. Didn't they look so beautiful (even when they were being silly)? Julia wanted her hair down (of course) and Lili wanted hers up "like a princess."
{Simon was asleep when we took these! It figures!}

But I snapped this one of him after church. I had wanted to buy a little outfit for him, but hadn't yet and realized, "Oh, that's THIS Sunday!" Oh well, he still looked cute (of course)!

Yep, we stayed busy during the Christmas season. I'm sad it's over, but am happy to know we all enjoyed every minute of it!