Gingerbread House Decorating

They are really beginning to do well with the Gingerbread House decorating. The only problem is that they want to eat it as soon as they finish decorating it.

Christmas Stockings

I cannot recommend making your own Christmas stockings. These took me most of the Advent season, and you can probably find similar ones at Hobby Lobby for $5.

Early Christmas

Early Christmas with GaGa Brenda, Papa Jerry, aunts, uncles, and toddler Christian. Madi attempts to put on a record number of accessories.

We toured a historic home that was decorated for Christmas. The kids were surprisingly into it, though Madi was terrified of the giant Santa and Gingerbread Man that roamed the grounds. On the plus side, they served wassail, hot cocoa, and cookies.

Goodness Creche-ous

As we set out our Christmas decorations, we discovered that storage has not been kind to the little Creche. The key player, Baby Jesus, is missing! The kids suggested that we substitute a lamb, but that seems kind of theologically backwards.

In other Creche news, Joseph has been decapitated.

Madi couldn't resist playing with the figures in the nativity scene...after all they look like small dolls, I suppose. I warned her several times that she was not to touch them because they were breakable. When I caught her playing with them again, she said, "You put them up high."

On the First Day of Christmas

We almost had 12 days of Christmas. Seriously, I think the kids got presents on at least 7 different days due to separate visits to so many family members It was fun! We are blessed. And it was neat to spread things out so that they weren't overwhelmed with so many presents at once. This was the "First Day of Christmas," when we let the kids open their presents from us. It actually took place a few days before Christmas Day. The David Shannon book that Caleb is holding describes the condition of our house.

Christmas Photo Attempt #1

As expected, this Christmas photo attempt did not go swimmingly. We went to this beautiful shopping center that had a "central park" with a giant Christmas tree. We met some friends there, and the kids had a great time playing and getting all muddy in the grass and climbing the statues. I had fun playing with our new camera. This shot of Madi running is enough to justify that camera's purchase. Look...you can actually see Madi running instead of seeing just the blur that usually represents Madi in a photo. Victory over the ever moving child! While I didn't get that perfect shot of Caleb and Madi hugging each other or something for our Christmas card, I got some decent individual shots. So, here you go...

Our Little Angel

Caleb participated in his first play this past weekend. He was an angel in the Christmas play at our church. He did a wonderful job! He only had a week to learn his songs, but he was the most animated and enthusiastic little angel on the stage. He was very proud of himself, and we were so proud of him as well. Excellent work, Caleb!