Christmas

We had a lot of fun this Christmas; we made an advent calendar that had little activities to do each day.

Brielle's showing off her potty sticker chart and reindeer sweatshirt

We made snow one day and built a snow man!

We built graham cracker candy houses....Brielle thought this was the best!

We made gifts for neighbors....chips and homemade salsa!

We had our preschool party complete with a nativity play!

We went to the Strasburg Railroad with Mama Judy and saw Santa Claus!

Brielle wanted nothing to do with him, but gladly accepted the  slinky gift he gave her! Lily was a good sport and posed for a picture :)

There were Christmas carolers on the train and Christmas instrumentalists too, a storyteller in one of the train cars and then the kids could ride the crank train car around a little track.

We went to Chocolate world to see the candy house! Be sure to click the photos to see the details up close

Afterwards we spotted Santa buying his dinner; even that jolly old elf has to take a break for meals!

In our Christmas finery:

There was a lovely Stake Christmas Musical program that we attended Sunday night. It was a little long for the girls, espcially since it was at bedtime, but we all enjoyed it and the treats afterward! There were several beautiful numbers by choirs in the stake, instrumental pieces, solos, duets, etc.

Christmas eve the girls found a surprise under their tree...new Christmas pajamas!

Christmas morning was exciting. First we opened stockings and discovered what Santa brought... a Sit-n-Spin and a baby doll crib!

Then we waited for Brandon to get home from the hospital before opening presents.

Once we got started with the presents it took forever since the girls wanted to play with each toy as it was opened. They were so excited about all the fun gifts!

Little princesses with their new princess dolls

Little dancers in their tutus!

We had a yummy dinner of ham, twice baked potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts, rolls, cantaloupe, chocolate pie and pecan pie! We also acted out the nativity play again. The next day Brielle went to her first movie in a theater, Frozen, with Daddy and Mama Judy. She was in awe the entire time and loved it!
Thanks to all the family members that made the holiday so wonderful! We especially loved having Mama Judy here to share it with us; she continued a tradition from my childhood by having a special "Santa sack" that would have surprises in it in the days leading up to Christmas. Brielle and Lily loved seeing what was inside and especially enjoyed all the new Christmas books.

What a fantastic Christmas!