Merry Christmas!!!

This year, our little family celebrated Christmas with just us four. We missed our extended family, but there was something special about just us. Christmas eve started off with Emory and daddy going out to krispy kreme. We were all going to go, but Gabe decided to take a nap instead. Look at these pigtails!! I remember dreaming of a day with long blonde pigtails for Emory and here we are. They did not last long, but I enjoyed it while it lasted. I have no clue why the socks are on her hands...

 After getting back from krispy kreme, we decorated cookies. There can just not be enough sugar on holidays.

After naps we got ready and went to Christmas eve service at the church where the kids go to school. It is a kid friendly service with a nativity, plenty of songs (which Emory loved) and a story time for the kids. Emory was fascinated with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, so we had to go say hello after the service.

 We really thought about what family traditions that we wanted to start for holidays. We heard about families that took cookies to fire stations on Christmas eve or Christmas and thought that was perfect for our family to do. Such a simple way to give thanks for the work they did in saving our house. Hopefully we can teach our children to be grateful during the holiday season and shift some of the focus away from presents. The firefighters still have to be there on holidays away from their families, so why not go for a visit. Our local station just got federal approval for a search and rescue dog, Hula. Emory thought she was great.

 We picked up yummy dinner (no mom should have to cook on Christmas eve too!) and after eating we got the kids bathed and dressed in their matching pajamas. I wonder how long I will be able to get away with this!

 Milk and cookies for Santa, carrots and water for reindeer which Emory called kangaroos. She also wanted to give the kangaroos apple juice and orange juice but I convinced her that they were just fine with water.

 Emory picked the Star Wars cup for Santa. Makes her daddy proud.

 Christmas morning was very laid back. Grant got up with Gabe and when Emory got up they all came in to wake me up. This picture is when Emory first saw her kitchen.

 Em and Gabe got cooking...

 Big sisters are very helpful with tricky wrapping paper.

 She got this hat and apron set from her dear friend Brady for her birthday and wanted to dress the part to cook in her new kitchen!

 Gabe enjoying the bath toys Emory wanted to get for him. Gabe got Emory a big sister necklace from James Avery. Bath toys, jewelry, bath toys, jewelry. Hmmmm.

 Looks like all the kids enjoyed Christmas.

Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas filled with love!!