Merry Christmas!

This has a been an unusual Christmas season for me. I got in the spirit super early and have never had that rush rush rush feel. I'm not sure why, as the girls and/or I were sick almost all of December so we didn't get a lot of the traditional stuff done. I think God must have given me an extra measure of peace because I was able to let it all roll off of me. We didn't get our family picture done this season and normally I would stress over that because I really like it done, but I figure we won't change that much if we have it done after the new year! So, don't expect that holiday letter from us, it won't be coming but maybe be looking for a new year's letter!

Since Friday, I have been doing a little Christmas catch up. Trying to squeeze in some holiday fun. Mike took off most of Tuesday and all of Wednesday. It was so nice to have him home, I love it. We had a lot of fun family time at home or just going around looking at lights.

I'll gave a brief explanation of each picture and try not to make it too long, that way you won't give up on this posting!

Emily at her Kindergarten Christmas party on Friday

Emily with her teacher, Ms. Maeder!

My dad and mom were kind enough to take the younger two so I could go to Em's school and watch them have their party. I was just getting over being sick so I didn't get to help plan or do anything but it was so much fun watching her at school. She is so good, and so respectful. I love watching what an amazing little girls she's turned into.

My mom wanted to do a Christmas program this year, (which was wonderful) and she wanted to include the kiddos. So she put together the music and scripture reading and my kind awesomly talented Aunt Leslie made all of the costumes herself and donated them to the church for further use. They all looked super cute.

And if I may brag for a second, Emily did the scripture reading and she memorized it and it was flawless on Sunday. She was so serious and did an amazing job. Mike used our camera to record it but accidently deleted it. We were disapppointed. So, since I was going to download it for you and can't, here's what she recited...

Matt. 2:1-2
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

The two most adorable angels you have ever seen !

Christmas Eve we finally made it to see Santa. It was about a 25-30 min wait. The whole time Ally is so excited. Then when we're about 2 families from the front, she starts to shake, then when we're next, she starts to cling to me and cry that she doesn't want to see him. Rylee is fine at this point, she's too young and there's a little puppy in line behind us that is licking her hand and she just thinks that's the funniest thing. Anyway, we start to move towards this super sweet santa and when we get in front of him, Ally lights up and wants to sit on his lap. After telling him what they want, he instructs me who to put where on his lap for a picture. As you can see in the picture, Emily is serene, Ally is holding it together (barely) and Rylee wants nothing to do with him. The only time she wasn't sobbing was when I would ask if she wanted a candy, she would wail "Yeah", look up at Santa like, "Are you giving me the candy? If so , hurry up already" and then start wailing again. I thought the picture turned out cute though.

Decorating Christmas cookies on Christmas eve. Em helped make the dough then wanted to watch a Christmas movie. Ally moved in and was really into cutting out the cookies with cookie cutters. Ally is much more my project girl.

Oh my gosh, look at the pile of sprinkles on that cookie! Only a 6 year old could enjoy that! She was quite proud though!

The girls before Christmas Eve service. I love Ally in this one!

Wait, are you kidding? We actually got a cute picture with all 3 looking nice and in the same direction at the same time?!! It must be a Christmas miracle!