Merry Christmas

kicking off our Christmas Eve with a breakfast of "candy cane's"

excited for presents

the handsome men in their church best

oh twinkly Christmas tree

Christmas morning - Santa came!

the excitement of a child on Christmas

Well Christmas came and went as it always does, all the hustle and bustle that seems to come to a head the week beforehand no matter how well I prepare happened again this year and now it we can relax and try to return to normal routines, well until next week that is when we host our new year's party and get packed up to celebrate Christmas in Manitowoc.  So I guess we are on intermission right now :)  On Christmas Eve the kids excitedly set out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, Jack insisted on 8 carrots, one for each reindeer.  Jack and I listened closely as I tucked him into bed on Christmas eve and we heard Santa's sleigh bells in the distance, Jack excited said to me "Mom, we better go to sleep so he can come to our house!" Nothing better than a little "believer" to bring the Christmas spirit about.

The Shepherd and the Tiny Dancer

our little shepherd

Jack's first Christmas Program

Stella needed a closer look at baby Jesus

Stella at her first "dance recital" performing, "I Love You Santa Clause"

ballerinas need to practice balance.....

.......and point their toes

Our little ones have taken the stage with their music and dance!  It's so fun watching them explore and learn new talents.  We caught our little shepherd moving his lips a couple times during the Christmas carols. But, his current interest has been improving his swimming skills with lessons, and pretty soon I know he will brave jumping off the block! Stella has loved her dance classes from day one, which was no surprise as she has always been a mover and a shaker.  Up next for Jack is basketball, aka "Happy Hoops" and for Stella another round of Music Together class, or in her words "Hello Everybody Class."

Christmas is Coming!

the countdown to Christmas

only 9 more cotton balls to go on Santa's beard!

my little helpers

Jack was an expert at the Christmas tree cutouts

Stella liked that stars

our beautiful and delicious Christmas treats!

O Christmas Tree

One of my absolute favorite Christmas traditions is going out as a family to the Christmas tree farm.  We were lucky to have a nice mild day to enjoy the outdoors and take our time selected the perfect tree. 

this was jack's choice (humongous)

this was the one Stella liked "best of all"

Mom & Dad's choice.......

and the winner was.........

mom & dad's choice    :)

just the girls

the boys

ready to bring it home and .........

....decorate it of course!

Jack was a big helper this year

Our Thanksgiving

We made a fruit turkey....

.....played outside in the mild weather

played "tackle soccer".....

.......of course, feasted like kings

we played board games......

.....with much concentration

auntie Corinne revived our childhood favorite, "the stairs game" (don't worry, it's safer than it sounds)....

......and last but not least, we celebrated Grandpa's birthday!

Happy birthday Grandpa!

Wordless Wednesdays - 1st Addition