Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve the plan was to go to church with my family and then to my parent's house to enjoy time with my mom's side of the family. Great plan. We were running a bit late due to picking up some pics for my sister. But, we weren't too worried until approximately 12 minutes into our trip we realized neither of us had packed the veggie pizza that was our contribution to the annual Christmas Eve appetizer feast. Opps! We turned around at the next exit but now we were super late. We were rushing because at the end of the service families take communion together. (one of my favorite parts of Christmas each year). We literally waltzed in as our family was going up to take communion. We were there 3 minutes and left. Oh, well better luck next year.

Here are a few pics from the night.

Titus opens his Christmas pjs.
Alison & Kara- gorgeous girls. I enjoyed time to visit and get caught up face to face with Kara and the girls couldn't wait to see their "China cousins."
Bingo


Late night. Kids are in their pjs and ready to head home when they catch their first glimpses of Home Alone 2 on the TV. They were so mesmerized. The Home Alone movies were a favorite at our house growing up. Our kids are still too little for them, but I think it will be fun watching it with them in the future.

Wish we'd gotten a few more pictures. But sometimes you are too busy having fun (or eating) to capture it with a camera.

Over the river and through the woods...

to Grandpa Rick & Grandma Leeanne's house we went for Christmas.

Here is Grandma Leeanne's new crocheted nativity set. You know how I LOVE nativities and this one was adorable! (hint hint ;)

The girls were excited about their real tree. They really picked up on the fact that some people have live trees unlike our artificial one.
Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
This is the second year Grandma has given the grandkids recordable books. Faith especially has LOVED the two we have. She will sit and "read" to herself during rest time for quite a long time.
This year we got Frosty the Snowman.
Grace and Faith's request for a castle was fulfilled with a neat block set that let you build your own castle.
Titus loved his truck and football.
This is a really cool nativity floor puzzle the kids got.

Love this one-not sure why she was pouting but its classic for sure.
Opening stockings.
Watching Polar Express in their new pjs. This was one of the first movies Titus showed interest in watching because he loved the train.
Jeremy got a backyard firepit as his gift. (guess I missed getting a picture) I am super excited to break it out this Spring. I am seeing lots more hot dogs and smores being consumed in our near future!!

Kindergarten Christmas Party

The day after all the gingerbread fun I headed back to school to enjoy Grace's Christmas party.

The kids enjoyed eating all kinds of treats and making "Reindeer" food.

They also did a book gift exchange. Each student brought a gift and then they got to open the book with the number they drew.
I was in charge of the game (not my strong suit). We divided the kids into two groups. It was a relay. Each member had to put on the antlers and nose (using vaseline to make the pom pom stick) and then make it to the "north pole" and back without dropping their nose.
The kids loved watching Mrs. Pritchett open her gifts.