Better late than never- Christmas!

We had a Merry Christmas! We had a great time all month counting down the days to Christmas. The kids enjoyed doing 25 days of Christ and their Lego advent calendars, and we read a new Christmas book each evening. They loved singing along to Christmas carols in the car, and making cookies and gingerbread houses. It was so fun- I wish we could celebrate all year!

We hung stockings by the chimney with care.

I think this was my favorite Christmas tree ever. It stayed so nice and fresh all month and was the perfect size and shape. Our tree last year died within a week and we had a completely brown and needleless tree by Christmas day.

We went to the Bethlehem activity again this year. They downsized it a little bit from the last few years, but it was still a lot of fun.

This girl looked and sang like an angel!

Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus.

We had a really cool Santa at the ward Christmas party that zoomed around on a scooter while the kids threw fake snowballs at him.

The boys were cows in the nativity scene.

They were very cute. I have gotten attached to all the kids in the ward while working in primary. It was so fun to see them put on the nativity scene. They are so sweet and cute.

They did a great job.

Cara sitting under the tree. She loved Christmas as much as the boys and was thrilled with everything!

We had our Christmas Eve party again this year. It was a little stressful preparing for it, but I think everyone had a great time. The kids were completely nuts by the time we finally sent them home.

We dressed them up like Christmas trees.

And snowmen.

Our favorite Santa came to the party. Santa showing up is what really put the kids over the edge. They were so excited!

My friend Stefanie made a cute elf!

Christmas morning! Jason's big wish was for a nice watch.

We mostly just wrapped up candy for Cara. She was thrilled with all the "nandy" she was allowed to eat.

The missionaries joined us for dinner. The boys were thrilled to have someone new to play with.

Jason and the missionary both ended up with two watches for Christmas.

Derek and his future jazz fans.

We took a quick trip to the aquarium. Cara loved to see the fish.

Stopping for Ghirardellis ice cream afterwards is a must!

We had a friend take some family pictures for this year. We got some cute ones, but I'm not sure we got a single one with everyone making a normal face and looking at the camera!

So close! Cara! Sit up and smile Cara!

Cara! Don't stick your tongue out Cara!

This one was my favorite of the bunch. It was really nice of Derek's buddy to take our picture!

Cara might be a basketball player! She sure is a cute one!

My little buddy Brettly with his signature smile!