Christmas Eve... The True Meaning of Christmas

I know the pictures are not in order, I messed up!

This year we tried something new. I got the idea from Ammon's nursery leaders (Thank you, Brother and Sister Williams we love you!). When I picked Ammon up from nursery on Sunday the class was all dressed up and they acted out the Nativity Scene, they were all so cute and sweet I just wanted to cry. So we acted out the Nativity and the kids loved it. I think I will try to stick with this tradition is was so much fun and I think the kids learn more from doing. Jeff was Joseph, I was Mary, Nate was baby Jesus and Carter, Carson, Ammon were the three Wise Men. I hope that we can have a little more reverence and spirit next year... With 4 boys (I mean 5, including Jeff) I think we did great!

Snow anyone...

NaNa

Our little NaNa...
Dad giving Nate a ride...
Carter just hangin' out! He just got done riding his bike... hence the helmet again!

Nate's turn...

Nate went down the hill and was stuck like the kid on A Christmas Story!

Ammon loving the snow and waiting for his turn

Ammon going for a ride

Wee....

Nate slipped and fell on the wet floor, not a happy camper!

So this was after the last big, big snow storm on Monday(I think, it seems to long ago already!). The kids had a ball in the snow and it took Jeff about 3 hours to clear the driveway, walkway and sidewalks... He also made the kids another sledding hill in the back yard down the deck steps. The kids love it!

Party time...

Mel and Mike brought Pizza.. yummy!
Jordan

Tyler

Lauren

Mike

Mel

Morgan

mmm... cupcakes!

mmm... boston cream pie!

Carter

It's time for SANTA (aka: Bingo)!

Lauren... you almost have it!

Carson really into it!

holiday wreath... anyone!

Nana is cheating just a little!

Who can get the most snowballs out of their bowl... no scooping!

Lauren head to head with Amanda... go!

Tyler vs. Melony

Watch out Ty!

Musical chairs... always a fun game!

but a little dangerous with big kids!

Uno

Tis the season for parties... My kids just love parties and we had one with my family on Sunday. It was so much fun. We missed Dennis and Shawn. It is always fun to be with family and I can't believe how grown up everyone is getting. I don't get the chance to see all of Jen's kids much and they are just big. We are all just getting old, dang it! We had dessert night and played games and opened a few presents. I tried to carry on the tradition from when I was a little girl and all of my aunts, uncles and cousins went to my Grandma and Grandpa's house for a big party on Christmas Eve. My uncle Richard always was the life of the party and made it sooo much fun for us. He always had silly, goofy games and prizes and was loud and fun. So I try to do a few things, I know it's just not the same. I hope to keep the tradition alive as much as I can and my kids will have great memories. Thanks for the fun evening everyone!