I really enjoyed our Christmas season. We put our tree up the earliest we've ever done it, right after Thanksgiving. It was nice having it up all month to enjoy. This year the church had a challenge, 25 days of service. In the past we've always done our Christmas book. We read a Christmas story, sing a song, and share a scripture. This year the church had a different way we could serve to be like Jesus. Each day there was a service, a scripture, and examples of how we could serve. I really really enjoyed it. The kids did such a great job at serving too. They helped rake Gigi and Papa's leaves, shoveled drive ways, dropped off treats to neighbors. It was a great way to keep our focus on Christ.
We also did our annual Gingerbread houses at the Summer's. My kids were very excited for this. It was the first year Joslyn decorated her own. Jaycie actually understood what we were doing this year. She decorated a little but mainly enjoyed eating all the candy on the table. Sale fell asleep on our way to the Summer's so it took him a while to warm up. Even when he did he just wanted candy and to be held. Jarom decided to stay with tradition and see how much candy he can pile on his plate/house for later. This was the first year the older boys, Gideon and Isaac, decided to move out of the candy dumping stage and actually decorated really great houses. It was such a fun night. A tradition that we love.
Another fun thing was Papa and Gigi paid for everyone to go see the movie, Moana. It was so nice of them and my kids were dying to see it. My whole family went which was another bonus for the kids because they love it when they are with their cousins.
The boys didn't get out of school till December 23rd which is the latest they've ever gotten out for a Christmas break. It seemed like there were a few things we didn't get in because of it but I don't think it took away from our celebration at all.
On Christmas Eve we started a brand new tradition and played Christmas bingo after breakfast. It was a hit and definitely worth repeating. Then we went to visit Martha (Aunty Peggy's mom) in the nursing home. I'm so glad we did it too because she loved having the company. Gigi sang and she just danced and danced with the biggest smile on her face. Then we took the kids to get their brother/sister buddy gifts at the dollar store. Its so fun to watch how much enjoyment they have buying gifts for each other. After the Dollar Store we picked up In N Out and Mc Donalds for dinner then heading to go visit with papa and Gigi at the rehab facility papa's staying at for his back surgery. On our way we promised to stop by a house in Saratoga Springs that had a good light show but unfortunately it was snowing too much so they couldn't run the show. By the time we got home it was about 8:30. We had time to do our Santa letters, open our pajamas, take one more drink of egg nog (all of our kids love this drink just like their daddy) and head off to bed to watch a Christmas movie while mom and dad started wrapping presents. Jarom, Joslyn, and Jaycie were the last to fall asleep, about 1:30ish. Gideon was the first LOL.
It was a wonderful Christmas season and the best part for me was all the quality family time we had.
The kids admiring everyone's work
The judges take their job very seriously
This was our tired section of the night
The boys helped put up the lights this year. It was their first time and they did great!
Joslyn couldn't wait to go to sleep and wait for Santa. She told me she was going to get a doggie
from Santa and she would share with everyone.
Christmas Eve family Selfie's
Opening our pajamas
Jarom writing his letter to Santa
More Letter writing
The kids decided instead of cookies this year Santa wanted sour watermelons for his treat.
Christmas Bingo, Cline Style
Christmas Eve Morning Activity
