Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a busy day. We started by piling the kids in the car in their Christmas jammies and heading to Grandma's house for breakfast.

We arrived before the Wells family so I snuck in one picture with the kids before heading to the kitchen. I love Charlie's face in this one!

Before snapping this picture, I asked Charlie to show me his "Christmas face". This is what he came up with.

Finally it was time for breakfast, our traditional breakfast casserole and pancakes.

We took our time opening presents this year and watched what each person received. Someone suggested that we go oldest to youngest so grandma went first!

Addison stayed awake for all of the activity.

Charlie was thrilled to get a Spider-Man watch.

If we couldn't tell that she was excited about this gift by her face,

her very enthusiastic thank-you hug for grandma told it all!

Morgan sat on her grandma's lap for almost the whole time.

Taylor kindly delivered her presents to her and helped open them.

Amongst all the activity,

was a lot of fun,

mischief,

and love!

Before we left we attempted to get a picture of Grandma with all of her grandchildren. Some were more in the mood than others.

After a brief down time at home, Grandpa and Uncle David came over. We had a delicious dinner of fried rice, potstickers and egg rolls, and an even more delectable dessert (molten chocolate cake). Then we opened more gifts. Morgan really got the hang of her Pillow Pet that Uncle David gave to her.

We had a lot of fun spending time together and soon it was 8:45! We decided that the kids should go to bed so they'd be asleep when Santa came.

So they got their cookie plate ready and set it near the fireplace in anticipation for his arrival.

And I like to think that visions of sugar plums danced in their heads...

Mmmm... Gingerbread

Today has been a wonderful day! It began with the kids letting me sleep in until 8AM! We spent the morning eating waffles, making a christmas banner, and doing Christmas crafts. Finally Uncle David came over to make out gingerbread house!

I bought a new kit this year that boasted a pre-built, ready-to-decorate gingerbread house. That was the best purchase I've made this Christmas! It came with everything you see here:

We set up the table with all the fixin's (adding a few of our own) and went to work.

Uncle David's job was to apply the icing.

We ended up letting Taylor decorate one side and Charlie the other. (Morgan supervised.)

The finished project was very impressive!

Can you guess which side is Taylor's and which belongs to Charlie?

After our hard work we rewarded ourselves with our monthly McDonald's fix.

Then the kids played a few rounds of Wii bowling and frisbee with Uncle David before heading for their rest.

I know they had a great time, and I'm so glad Uncle David was able to spend time with them. Mommy's holiday wishes are all coming true!

Party, Party, Party!

We've been a busy bunch. The kids have each been to three parties in the last two days! Yesterday was Taylor and Charlie's last day of school before Christmas vacation. Both classes marked the occasion with a Christmas Party. First was Charlie's preschool party. It began with the children showing off the Christmas songs they'd learned the past few weeks.

Here's a little video of my favorites:

Then Charlie made an ornament and played two games. The entire time he was asking "when is it going to be snack time?" He knew it was going to be good, because he had brought in the ice cream himself.

Finally, everyone sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and Charlie enjoyed his much anticipated cake and ice cream.

His day was complete.

After Charlie's party, mom dropped him off at home where a surprise visitor came (Uncle David!) while she scurried off to party #2, Taylor's kindergarten party.

First she played Christmas Bingo and won a candy cane.

Then she made her own star ornament, complete with sparkles.

Next she played Christmas limbo. It's similar to regular limbo, but instead of a bar, they use Christmas lights. Also, they tie on a Santa belly to add in the fun.

Then Mommy played some Christmas songs on the guitar while the kids danced and sang. Finally, Taylor decorated a cookie and ate it while listening to a Christmas book.

Later that night the kids celebrated Grace's 7th birthday.

This morning we began our Christmas vacation with a MOMS club Christmas party. I told the kids that we invited Santa, but since he is so busy this time of year, I wasn't sure if he'd make it. They were delighted when he walked in the front door booming his signature "Ho, Ho, Ho!"

Santa began by reading "The Night Before Christmas". I noted how attentive the children were compared to years passed.

Then he passed out presents to all the children. Charlie was very grateful.

Santa obliged me with a photo opportunity of all three kids. I was amazed that Morgan didn't cry!

Tomorrow we have more christmas plans with Uncle David. We'll be making a gingerbread house.

MTCES Christmas Program

Tonight was the Christmas program at the girls' school. It was so stinkin' cute. I found myself unable to stop smiling when the K-2nd graders were on the stage. I was so proud of Taylor. Last year, she would not sing at all in preschool. This year she was belting it out! Grace did great, too! Here's a video of the evening's highlights summed up in two minutes. I just saved you 103 minutes. You're welcome. Enjoy:

For those of you who can't see my videos (Julie), here's a few photos. (Disclaimer: I had to use my zoom lens that really isn't designed for low light situations. I did my best.)

At first Taylor was a bit hard to see, but then she found her niche.

Charlie's party is tomorrow, and I'm told the kids have prepared some songs for us. You can bet another post will follow!

Christmas with Grandmama

Today began our first official Christmas celebration. Since Grandmama is leaving for California soon, she came over tonight for a Christmas dinner. First she spent some time with the kids while mom took a much needed nap (thanks!).

What were they doing? Playing with the Charlie Brown Christmas app on the ipad, of course!

Sleepyhead Morgan finally awoke from her nap in time to cuddle with Grandmama.

After a delicious dinner and dessert, it was time to open some gifts!

Morgan got her first official baby doll. She loved it!

Taylor couldn't wait to open her new Hello Kitty Lego house and start playing with it. You can always tell when she really likes a toy, because she is ready to leave whatever hustle and bustle is occurring downstairs and retreat to her room with her new treasure.

Before bed, Grandmama showed her how to make friendship bracelets on her new kit. She got the hang of it pretty quickly.

It was a nice evening. Now it's time for this mama to go to bed! Here's hoping that extra hour the kids stayed up causes them to sleep in tomorrow.