Merry Christmas!!

Today was a great day! The kids were very agreeable and we all enjoyed each other. They definitely were spoiled by Santa, their parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles! It was a lot of fun watching the girls open their gifts and seeing their faces. They all got everything they wanted plus the things we felt were needed. This morning when we woke up Clarissa, we mentioned Santa had come and she quickly said, "Santa is downstairs?" It was so cute for her to think he was still at our home.

Later in the day we had the opportunity to have dinner with Tom and Michele. They took a much needed break from packing to enjoy the kids. We can't believe that they will be gone in less than a week. We sure have enjoyed all the time with them.

Christmas Eve Traditions

One of the traditions we have done for Christmas is to give the kids matching pajama pants on Christmas Eve. We have done this tradition for about 8 years. Since we have added the girls to our family dynamics, I make the boys match and the girls match.

The past couple of years we have added the tradition of exchanging names within the kids. They sure have a lot of fun deciding what to get each other. The ones that end up with the girls have a lot of fun because the girls get so excited about anything and we currently don't have nearly as many girl toys as we do the boys ones.

We had a lot to get accomplished today, but it was a very enjoyable and memorable day.

Gingerbread Houses

We decided this year to begin a new tradition, making gingerbread houses on Christmas Eve. The boys were very excited about choosing which type of candy they would put onto their houses. The planned to make 6 to 8 houses. One for everyone with the girls sharing with Matt and I. While making up the dough, I quickly realized how much molasses it would take to make 4 batches-2 small houses each. (Thanks Michele for giving me your extra molasses.) I mentioned this to the kids and I was surprised that they were okay with only making 4 houses total. They quickly decided on the pairs they would work in.

Everyone enjoyed working with their partner. We did notice Abby had a hard time understanding that she couldn't eat all the candy! We had a wonderful time, what a great memory. They can't wait to eat them up in a couple of days.

Cookies for Santa

After working all morning cleaning the house, we got busy making cookies for Santa. We were all surprised when Matt walked in early and was able to help us. The kids really enjoyed deciding which cookies we should make. This year we really cut down the amount of cookies we planned on making. Well we decided to make 3 types, Chocolate Crinkles, Peanut Butter Blossoms and Secret Kisses (my favorite)!

I have to tell you that I really enjoyed making cookies this year. I think the reason being is that I didn't make tons, we did it in one day and I had the kids help.

I also didn't want a lot of cookies around the house for Matt and I to eat. =)
(I thought we had more pictures taken, but I guess one is better than none.)

Visiting Santa

We had our Ward Christmas party last Saturday and one of the traditions they have always done is to have Santa come. This year was so fun with the girls. When Clarissa got up to Santa, she was a little intimidated when she realized that she could sit on his lap.

Anyway, Clarissa told Santa she wanted Princess underwear. Matt quickly added to that by saying "this is her encouragment for potty training". It was so funny. It reminds me when Danny was about that age and all he wanted was a candy cane. I love it when they are so innocent and ask for very simple realistic presents.

Our Christmas Tree

Our tradition for the past 8 years has been to put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. This is the second year in a row we had the opportunity to cut down our tree. A family in our ward was so sweet to offer to have members of the ward come pick out a tree and cut it down. The only thing missing is snow. It was a beautiful day, the kids got warm wearing their jackets

Once the tree is cut and loaded on top of the car, the real fun for the kids begin. They love pulling out their different ornaments we have made or collected through the years. It is fun just listening them reminisce. This holiday brings so much joy and makes tons of memories. Even Abby got into the spirit of decorating by playing with the lights. So cute!