Pre-Christmas snapshots

Christmas is fast approaching and we have been quite busy with one activity after another, which is why I have barely posted in the last few weeks. Here is a glimpse into at least the last weekend.


Because we celebrate Christmas morning with our families (and go out and spend the night there), we do our own little family Christmas the weekend before. Geez- it is a lot of work getting ready for Christmas. We were up half the night wrapping gifts, getting last minute things, and cleaning. Exhausting! I do love the excitement of waiting to see their reactions. I am usually up earlier than they are! It really throws the girls for a loop because they are totally surprised and shocked, which is quite fun! They loved seeing all the presents under the tree and figuring out what belonged to everyone by reading the names. Their favorite gift was a hand me down from our cousins- a Barbie princess castle. They LOVED it. They have totally rearranged their room again to make room for it.

The Christmas tree is ready!

Grace was so excited to see all the gifts.

Yep, Caleb got a potty chair (note it isn't pink & no princesses).

Kay opening her gifts.

Caleb & daddy with his new cars.

Golf clubs!

We didn't have much time to play with them though because we had to rush to church for the children's Christmas pageant. The girls were sheep this year. They actually did surprisingly well (compared to last year where they just stood in awed shock).  They were a bit shell shocked the first part. Grace kept patting Kay on the back and hugging her saying that it would be okay. Once Grace saw me in the audience mouthing the words to the song, she started singing the whole thing. Kay was pretty silent but did do some of the hand movements and once Jesus Loves Me started, she sang right along.

Listening to the angel's good news of great joy!

They spotted us!

Definitely not too sure of this whole thing!

Grace drawing during the sermon.

We also went to the movie theater that same weekend to see the new chipmunks movie. This is only their third movie ever and overall they did amazingly well. Well, I should say the girls did great, Caleb lost interest half way through and decided it was more fun to climb the seats and run up and down the aisle than pay attention. The first part was hilarious seeing him in his little booster chair with his popcorn setup. He was loving it.

Grandma, Grace, Kay and Grandpa.  Clearing the girls couldn't take their eyes off the previews. :)

Scott, Caleb & Josh eating popcorn.

Popcorn, puppy, movie... what more could I ask for?

Chilling with mommy in his booster chair.

We also went Sunday to see Santa at the Nursery. I love that we can go their every year with my parents, that I know the people well, and that we get to see lots of family. The kids actually did REALLY well. They didn't cry, and in fact there were even a few smiles! :)

Love this one!

Grandpa & Grandma with their kiddos.

YUM! I like donuts! :)

I clearly couldn't get a picture with both smiling.

And on this one Kay is blinking.

It was a great pre- Christmas weekend. I love celebrating Christ's birth in so many different ways, being with family, and seeing the joy on my children's faces.