Christmas Cookies

Third time is the charm! We've decorated cookies with Mom's club and friends on a playdate but this was the first time I captured images with my camera. Boy, I've got to get better with my picture taking:-) We had a great time frosting, sprinkling, and (of course) sampling!

Christmas Tree Lane, cont'd

Daddy wasn't able to join us the first trip down Christmas Tree Lane so the kids were very excited to take him. (This time I didn't forget my camera!)

Christmas Tree Lane

I must be slipping in my old age -- I have to blog about an event to which I FORGOT to bring my camera!!!! The kids and I went to ooh and aah at Christmas Tree Lane. This neighborhood near Modesto is decked out in true Christmas BLING! All the neighbors participate (and compete) to put on a show of lights and decorations. The kids LOVED it. Even though we had to fight some traffic it was so much fun. We found a spot to park and walked the 3 or so blocks of holiday ostentation. The night ended with a mug of hot chocolate to warm up little bodies. (I do have pictures of that!)

Sunday School Christmas Program

Last Sunday night was Anika's Sunday School Christmas program. She has been listening to the CD, singing diligently, attending rehearsals, and anxiously awaiting the night. She loved being a shepherd. She follow all directions to the letter. (In fact, her fastidious rule following had her looking a bit solemn.) Thank goodness I got a few pictures of her smiling before the program because there wasn't much smiling during it:-) Even though she was in costume for the program she really wanted to wear her Christmas attire. All the kids did - so here are a few pictures of the kiddos.

It was Anika's idea to line up "like stairs". (Hmmm, should I tell her that I'm not sure she is taller than her brother??)

Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas - here's our annual letter in digital format.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. . .

Picking the perfect tree. . .

When we get the Christmas decorations out every year, the kids head right for the puzzle creche. It is a learning experience every time as we remember how to get the pieces back together.

Andrew's turn to put the star on the top!

The kids had so much fun putting up ornaments this year. (For the first time, there were fewer ornaments than willing hands. . .)