Christmas Memories

Wow, Christmas has flown by and we're almost to 2011! I can't believe it because there was so much anticipation and planning, then it was gone! The girls loved the time and have many great memories! Here they are in their dresses on the Sunday before Christmas.

We made gingerbread houses with graham crackers this year. Because I waited too long to find a kit...because I needed 2 instead of 1 also! Let's just say I learned a lot about icing and stability. But, it was a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy plus Christmas M&Ms. The girls really enjoyed it.

Nicole's house had a LOT of snow on it (the white sprinkle side is almost gone)...

Natalie's roof had so many candies, it went flat! But that was fun too.

Then, we made the jello/graham cracker/whipped cream dessert that my sister liked when growing up (and I did too!). The girls took turns putting on the layers.

Then, Mimi and Poppa came for visit. The main gift from them: animal pillows! A ladybug for Natalie and dog for Nicole.

They liked the Sing-a-ma-jigs too from my sister.

At last, Christmas eve. We had been reading the true Christmas story for a few days in the Bible, but we did read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" as well for tradition (thanks Grandma & Grandpa!).

The cookies (double chocolate chip) were laid out next to a diet coke for Santa. Right next to our Fisher Price manger scene!

The morning came! The girls did not get up as early as last year (they slept in until 7:30) and went to eat yummy pancakes first! Natalie had stayed up until about 10:15 waiting in anticipation. We started the bedtime routine at 7:15 that evening knowing she would wait up as long as possible. We then opened stockings and then went for the "Santa" bag presents. There was so much excitement, and then Grandma & Grandpa came up for dinner and present time. A great time on Christmas!

Of course, we had a Happy Birthday Jesus party with cake & ice cream too to celebrate!

And, it was a white Christmas to boot! The snow began falling when Grandma & Grandpa were there, but we didn't get out until the next morning for a lot of playing with the snow. We did pelt their car with a few snowballs as they were leaving!

That morning, the snow was too dry to stick much, so they went sledding mainly. That wore them (and Mommy) out that morning!

Beautiful!

After nap, we went outside and tried again as the snow was melting and it was good for snowman making. Natalie made many cute snowmen, and Nicole did make one too! We made one family snowman. They are just now melting!

Merry Christmas!

2 Great Programs

Wow, Natalie was in two great programs. Here first was her school program, where they staged a nativity with the K5 class while the rest of the classes were singers. Each K5 had a speaking part too, and they did great!

Of course, my thoughts of the best one were the cutest angel!

She did great in her speaking part..."Fear not... that's what we told the shepherds."

And, the rest of the time she just looked like an angel! Thanks to Grandpa for these great photos from the camera.

Then, we had the church program. This was the best photo my little camera could do with as far back as we were! She did great and they all did wonderful!

It definitely puts you in the right mood for Christmas!

Deck the tree kiss relatives and go for a ride

Catching up...catching up...

After we left Thanksgiving, we immediately went into Christmas tree decorating mode. It was special this year as both girls loved decorating the tree and putting on the ornaments. We put on the carols and just had a blast watching the girls at work. Of course, I was there opening the boxes for my special ornaments ( I insist they store better in their own box, so I am the one who is graced with opening and then restoring ). And, both of us were putting on the hangers too.

We then had a great visit with Aunt Angelia and Uncle Doug as they came into Mimi's town to visit. Woody wasn't able to attend, but we had our 3rd Thanksgiving type dinner. No wonder the pants are a little tight right now...

Aunt Judy was also there, and Uncle Larry! We had a good but short visit.

Ahh... now time to talk about what we did to see Santa. Natalie really liked getting up and going to see Santa. We were one of the first, which made for a much better day. One benefit of always being up before 7:30! She wished for an animal pillow, lady bug or a pony.

Nicole didn't like sitting next to Santa, but she asked for a doggie animal pillow. Just look at that face (get me out of here look!).

And, then on to the ride. We were on the first ride of the day, one of the first ones on the track!

It does look kind of funny from this perspective. The guy had a stocking cap then a Santa hat on top. It was a bit chilly I must say, but worth it!

Then, the kids loved to go around the playground for a while. We saw people start showing up in droves then! But, we were already through with the crowded parts! And, then, the reward of hot chocolate and a peppermint stick. A great day!

And the rest of November

Whew, where has this month gone! We had an early Thanksgiving with Mimi and Poppa which was a blessing. Only my 3rd turkey prepared in my life probably! But, no salmonella PTL for anyone and we all had a good time.

Natalie's Thanksgiving program was definitely a highlight. I didn't get to see the skit and them singing, but I was there with Nicole in time for the meal and to see Natalie as the pilgrim.

I just want to know where this came from...Natalie hates brocolli whenever it is fixed, but it was the first thing on her Thanksgiving recipe... hmmm

My pilgrim loved the chocolatey turkey cupcakes!

Nicole wanted to dress up too with the moccasins.

The whole class with Chief Snowbird leading!

Natalie was able to don her Indian gear for a picture with Maya. We were able to celebrate with Woody's family on the actual Thanksgiving, and it was a blessed time as well. A lot to be thankful for!