Erick and I got the kids a swingset for Christmas this year. We decided to put it up about a week before Christmas as we had to set in in concrete and let that cure for 3 days. Let me just tell you, these three day's were TORTURE for ALL OF US!
FINALLY!!! They get to play! It has been a HUGE hit! Lot's of fun for all the kiddos!
The kids LOVE to do crafts with me. This year we decided to make some decorations for the back door for our Christmas Eve Party.
I didn't take pictures of the finished products...darnit!!! They lookes so cute! We made reindeers and snowmen.
After many years of driving to and from both families houses on Christmas Eve, Erick and I decided we would start our own tradition. This is our second year hosting the evening. Erick cookes an AMAZING Prime Rib. When I say amazing, I mean 19lbs. of deliciousness! There was not one single bite left when the night was done! We also enjoyed fresh steamed asparagus, mashed potatoes, salad, yams with broiled marshmallows on top and some delicious tamales. Not to mention all the delish desserts!!! It was such a fun night with family and friends and scrumptios food!
Our friend Robert Winn comes every Christmas Eve and brings his instruments. Our nephew's and Niece are all so musically gifted and they all play together. It is so fun and they play all night.
Our friends the Larsens spent the night with us as well. Cory brought his guitar and joined on the music fun. I love music in my home. I can't wait for our kids to learn to play!
I made a HUGE batch of Paul's Pink Cookie Dough the night before so the kids could make cookies for Santa! It was a HUGE mess but totally worth it! The kids LOVED rolling it all out and cutting out their own Christmas Cookies.
Meemaw mixed up the frosting for us while the Mommies helped the with the cut outs.
I found a beautiful video on YouTube of a little child narrating the Birth of Christ. We watched it, and I bore testimony to my children and my family that I know what this Season represents. That our Savior was born, a King. That He lived a beautiful perfect life and that he died for us. I testified of my Love for my Savior and for my Father in Heaven for the Gift of His Son. I pray my children and family will know for themselves of the truth of this. I am thankful we were able to focus on this if even for a moment that night.
Here are the kiddos getting ready for bed. Wylie wanted in on the picture too!
The milk and cookies and carrots for Santa and the Reindeer...
The LOOT!!!
Santa brought Paiz a Justin Bieber doll that sings. As soon as she opened it she was TICKED! She said "I'n a girl...I no want a BOY DOLL. " She then tossed it too the side like it was a hot potatoe. She didn't even bother to finish unwrapping it! It was SOOOO FUNNY!
The kids all playing with their new toys...TOGETHER!! YEAH!
We set up the camera that night to try to catch Santa Claus and we did it!!!
Here are the kids reactions to the photo!!
PRICELESS!!!
We had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS this year and are SO thankful for that!
