Christmas traditions

For our CC Christmas party this year, we had a morning at the church for station games, a book exchange, and treats!  The kids and I made green rice crispy treat trees.  Not my typical mode of operation for Christmas goodies, but it was definitely a crowd pleaser.  

The moment we started talking about putting Christmas decorations up, the girls planned for "Doll Christmas".  They wrapped gifts for all of their dolls and surrounded their little tree with doll love.  Finally, "Doll Christmas" arrived at some appointed date and they went to their room, shut the door, and proceeded with the festivities.  Super cute.  

Decorated sugar cookies!!  The process of making and decorating them was great.  Unfortunately, we only got to eat a few.  I put the rest in the oven on a plastic cutting board to dry, warning everyone to not turn on the oven.  But, of course, I turned on the oven the next day, melting the cutting board and ruining the cookies.  I felt so bad, and the kids were sad since they'd saved some of their best creations for the next day...  Sigh. 

Started a new Sally Clarkson inspired tradition this year - the Shepherds Meal.  We had a simple meal by candlelight and told the story of the shepherds hearing the announcement of Jesus' birth.  It was a neat little night and the kids asked for days if we could eat by candlelight again.  I had to hurry this little party along, however, because my Panera Group came over for a little Christmas celebration afterwards.  Sweet night - 

Jesse Tree was awesome this year!  We took turns telling the story night by night and it was so neat to see how much these little ones know about God's story - 

My sweet little tree outside the backdoor turns bright red in December.  I love the color and that it is always most vibrant during the Christmas season - 

We got to help at Alpine for a field trip for a local under-privileged school field trip.  The kids all know the scoop on Santa, but I made them take a quick pic anyway.  They were scoffing, knowing the truth.  I had to remind them that this guy dressed up as Santa was a real person, and they needed to treat him kindly anyway! 

Isaiah got to be a wise man in the Christmas play at church this year - 

Noelle was up front with Chandler, Addison, and Ally.  So thankful she has a solid group of little ladies at church!