Parties, parties!
Since the girls in my church group loved the candy bar game so much and hadn't been introduced to it before we played, I thought it would be fun to introduce it to the 5th graders at their winter party as well. It was a hit! (And became very competitive!)
Christmas Eve:
Karen and Marilyn spent Christmas Eve with us. We enjoyed our traditional Christmas Eve dinner (usually Italian), played games, opened one present each, read the Texas Night Before Christmas and then finished up by reading aloud while acting out the Nativity found in Luke 2. We had such a GREAT time!
We had a couple of invitations to spend the evening with friends and although we missed them and the fun they also had, I was so grateful to have this Christmas Eve with our family. Next year Nathan will be gone, Karen will be married, Marilyn will be living in another state, and who knows where the rest of us will be!
Our Nativity cast:
Joseph, played by Nathan
Mary, played by Emily
Baby Jesus, played by Bitty Baby
Shepherd, played by Smash
Angel, played by Megan
Donkey, played by Jonathan
Innkeeper and sheep, played by Karen
Wise man, played by Marilyn
Narrator, me
A couple of photos that make me smile below: Karen pictured here as the (Ninja) Innkeeper who came back to see how Mary, Joseph and the donkey were doing after she kicked them out.
An exciting moment when one of our wise men (Marilyn) finally arrived. :)
Christmas Day:
Making our Christmas morning deliveries, this is my favorite part of our day. I'll share a few of our delivery photos.
(Yes, this little doll answered the door in her swim suit!)
When we delivered to our friends Dave and Ginger, the kids were so happy to get to see their new twins! Ginger, Dave and boys were on their way out for a little stroll around the neighborhood.
Ginger with Cooper Lincoln
Sweet family!
After our deliveries it was time to open presents and do a lot of playing together!
Fabulous pictures!! Thanks so much for sharing your Christmas Eve with us. Karen and I had a blast. I love the picture of us cousins! And the ninja innkeeper... I'm so glad the twins are doing well, and I love your tradition of delivering cinnamon rolls to your friends on Christmas morning. What a great way to associate the Christmas holiday with an act of service.
Posted by: Marilyn | January 14, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Sounds like your holidays were filled with love, laughter, friends and family. That's the best kind! I love your Christmas morning tradition...thinking of others before yourselves...exactly as Jesus Christ. I believe I will start that tradition next year with our family. Except that I will not have your wonderful cinnamon rolls to share:( Love you guys!
Posted by: Kim | January 15, 2009 at 09:31 AM
That is too cool!! I love your Christmas traditions, Aunt Mar.
And as Marilyn said, we did have a blast! Thanks so much for letting us come over. I really enjoyed the time we got to spend together. (Even if it was shorter than I would have liked.)
And twins!! How exciting!
And I absolutely LOVE the picture of that cute little girl in her swim suit, answering the door... on Christmas!
Posted by: Karen | January 15, 2009 at 03:54 PM
That camera is one of the best investments I've made.
Thanks Marilyn for not only capturing, but creating these memories.
Love you,
JD
Posted by: Jonathan | January 17, 2009 at 07:27 AM