Christmas 2009

We read and acted out the Nativity Scene with the kids. I love this part of Christmas. The kids are so sweet in remembering our Savior!! Its like the quiet before the storm of Christmas morning.

This year, we pulled off the ultimate surprise for the kids. Santa actually delivered Papa and Nana to us on Christmas morning!! I cannot even describe to you the excitement exhibited by our children. When they all settled down, Jesse asked if Santa brought presents under the tree too.

It always amazes me how quickly we go from perfect presents under the tree to "after the storm hit" the family room.

This was the first year I took the girls to see the Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Moscow Ballet Company. Hopefully we can make it an annual tradition. Although, Elle said she liked the movie better.:)

We sent Elle to a week of Horse Camp for Christmas. She filled her soul with the equine experience!! A week well-spent, then it was back to the real world of second grade.

We took Mom and Dad on a lunch cruise in the bay...

...then to the beach. Nothing says "beach day" like a parka and ear muffs, but they didn't want to waste a minute of sunny Florida time.

We also went to see the manatees at the TECO power plant. There were plenty of them and tons of sharks and rays. The sharks were jumping out of the water!! We stayed for hours and enjoyed the view...

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my bathroom. Can you guess what my favorite store is? I do 90% of my Christmas shopping on amazon.com. From my home. Usually while my children sleep. Then its magically delivered to my front door step. Tax-free and shipping-free. Now that's a gift!

We worked on the children's room for our church's Festival of the Nativity. Jarin built this creche so children could dress up and have their pictures taken. The festival was beautiful and truly got us into the spirit of Christmas.

Our friend Matt painted these super cute animals for the Nativity scene. Aren't they adorable?
Our Christmas tree.
Thank you Dora the Explorer. 2 is typically the age where kids cry in fear of the jolly man in the red suit. But this year, Dora has a new movie about Santa and Nate was totally primed and ready to meet the big guy.

Elle's Christmas program

Elle had her second grade Christmas program. She sang and danced her little heart out with her classmates.It was a little too loud for Nate, who listened with fingers in ears.

This is Elle with her friend Victoria after their performance.