We absolutely love everything about the Christmas season at our house, and we start celebrating at the beginning of December. This year, our first Christmas party was with the Walls and the Poythresses. We made a yummy homecooked meal and spent the evening watching the kiddos play. It is so much fun to watch them with all of their cousins...they have the best time! And next year, we will have a new baby to throw into the mix! Hmmm...boy or girl....we will either even out the girls or the boys will keep the the lead! Each little one got the same present...a Grinch or Max stuffed animal and a very special Christmas book to keep. We love starting new traditions!
The next weekend was very busy for us. We volunteered at WestRidge for Hope for Christmas. What a great thing for my kids to be able to experience. Everyone is not as lucky as they are and does not get to experience the things they get to do. Anna Caitlin was my helper elf and helped hand out gifts. On Sunday, my baby girl sang in chuch. She has come so far! For those who have watched her perform for years, at her first singing debut (probably around 2 or 3), she hid her face down and would not look up the whole time. I could not even get a good picture! This time, she stood in front of a whole LOT of people and sang right along with the motions. I am so proud of her!!
On the last Thursday before Christmas break, we got to celebrate Anna Caitlin's class party. She had a blast! She made ornaments and picture frames, and played a round of Christmas bingo. She loves all of her friends in her class, and especially her very special teacher!!
We love Ms. McMath!
Anna Caitlin and her buddies Sarah, Gabby, Kade, Julia, and Delaney.
Last Saturday night, Jonathan had a very special surprise for his favorite girls. He bought us tickets to go see The Nutcracker down at the Fox. Anna Caitlin was SO excited. She does not get alot of alone time with mommy and daddy. We took her to a fancy dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, where she got to experience some YUMMY chocolate cake!! Then, we headed downtown. Watching her expression that night was priceless! She sat on the edge of her seat, and kept looking at the two of us with a huge smile on her face that would just melt your heart! Afterwards, she told us that was the "most awesome Nutcracker she had ever seen!" Love that sweet baby girl!!
On Sunday, we had our annual Christmas dinner with the Rivera family, which is always fun!! We grilled out steaks and hung out while the kiddos played. As usualy, Drew spent the night tackling Brandon and wrestling with him. Poor Brandon! And Anna Caitlin and Bella spent the night playing dress up. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends!
On Tuesday night, we celebrated Christmas with some of our oldest and best friends. We always have so much fun when we get together. We all cooked and brought food, and even hired a babysitter to entertain the kids in the playroom. After dinner, the kids all did their annual Christmas gift exchange, which they always enjoy! We had a very special guest this year, Oleksander, who is being hosted for Christmas by the Frachsieurs. He had a blast playing with all the other kids!
The grownups even got a chance to play this year! Mr. Scott brought some fun Christmas games for us and the McLendons brought The Game of Things, which was so much fun! There is nothing like spending an evening laughing with friends!
