Our first Christmas with 5 kids! It was awesome and crazy and loud... and fun! So many great memories! I will let the pictures do the talking.
We started off by decorating our Christmas tree- they all are such big helpers!
To finish off the crazy school week and class parties- Addison had a little celebration at Tiny Tots. They always do such a cute job- and she's always so excited to be on stage and see us out there, cheering her on!
Next on the agenda, was Addison's dance recital- a highly anticipated event. The night before was our ward Christmas party. My parents came out to attend the party with us and then go to Addie's recital the next morning. My poor mama ended up getting sick in the night- and couldn't get out of bed the next day to go to the recital. I felt so bad for her! We had a good time though and Addie was so cute.
(That's a pretty hot Santa! Does that make me Mrs. Clause??)
I love this picture of the boys- all there to support their sister! They even brought flowers. They were actually totally into it and love watching!
Addie and GrandpaThe kids, all dressed up in their Christmas Sunday best. Love those little faces.
One thing we always like to do, is visit the residents at Aaron's facility. I think it is so good for the kids- we go there quite often and the kids have gotten a lot better about talking to the residents and not being shy or afraid. This year they worked SO hard, making over 50 little crafts to hand out. The made christmas trees out of pinecones, little nativity sets and Frosty ornaments with thermometers. (thank you Oriental Trading!) They were so excited to walk around and hand out g their handmade gifts and tell everyone Merry Christmas.
Finally- the 24th arrived! We did our "usual" routine... just a little earlier this year, because we went to my parents for dinner. At my parents house we had a yummy dinner of clam chowder and salad. Then the kids acted out the whole nativity scene- it was so cute! And of course- opened gifts! Earlier in the day the kids were busy... they squirted the roof off- to make it clean for Santa and his reindeer, then they cleaned out the chimney and later that night- they prepared a yummy snack for Santa (cookies and milk) and lots of yummy treats for the reindeer. Then they all had a sleep over in Carters room on the floor. That boy likes his sleep- so at first he wasn't really happy about that idea- he wanted them to go in another room, but he got over it and was fine.
The next morning came all too quickly! Actually the kids slept until after 7- which isn't too bad- I know it could be a lot worse! We put an alarm on their door so we know that no one sneaks out at night to peak- so around 7- we heard them knocking - ready to go. I always take pictures of everything all set up.
Tyler and Jake
bikes, new lego's, tech decks and ramps, remote control helicopters and little handheld things that text
AddieLeapster, pink case, Dora game, pillow pet, baby doll
Averystuffed giraffe, play keys and Sophie (teething toy)
Carterpillow pet, Buzz doll, race track, monster truck, puzzle
Every year, I am so shocked that after all the many hours of preparation- the actual morning goes by so FAST!! It's so fun- but I'm afraid if I blink- I will miss something! We let the kids do the Santa toys first, then the wrapped gifts, then we have breakfast (Grammy's cinnamon rolls, egg casserole) and last, stockings.
Christmas sure is magical with little ones to enjoy it with! It really is the most wonderful time of the year!
1 comment:
Hooray. You posted and I loved it! Did the kids know Aaron was Santa?
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