Christmas

and some days leading up to it

Christmas break for the kids this year was only 8 days.  8 DAYS!!  I guess I've become accustomed to a standard two weeks - with three full weekends.  So I felt unhappy about the shorter break.  I like Christmas break as much as the kids.  It's fun to have them home and not have to get up for school each day.  I did find out that next year the school district has a standard two weeks planned for Christmas break so I'm happy about that.   

We did some before Christmas treat making.  Anna helped me stir this slow cooker candy.  It was the first time we tried this and I don't think we'll do it again.  It tasted only ok and made a TON!!

More and more treats we made

And spinach artichoke dip made with help of John.  He likes to help with cooking.  

We had a snacky Christmas Eve meal.

We read the nativity story interspersed with songs.  Here is John as Gabriel talking to Mary

Anna and Matthew as Joseph and Mary

Angels visiting the shepherds

Matthew is a frightened shepherd

Mary and Jospeh again

Me narrating

Three wise persons bearing gifts

Opening Christmas pajama pants from Ma2 and Pa2

Yea pants!

And now we are ready for Christmas

Anna and Grant tried to stay up late to see Santa but they said they fell asleep and didn't see him.  

Hmm, maybe next year.

The next morning the kids didn't even come in to wake us up until after 7.  So Scott and I finally got up and I cooked breakfast.  We had breakfast then opened presents.

Ready to open presents - everyone was excited

Here is Matthew with his plasma globe - a gift he had fun with

We spent the rest of the day in pajamas just being lazy.  Well, Scott and I made ham and potatoes, baked beans and rolls for dinner, which felt like a lot of work.  But it was a nice day.

Merry Christmas!!