The big Christmas Recap

Wow, it is past time for me to do our big Christmas recap.  This year we tried to scale down the number of events we attended, and I think it helped us not feel quite as crazy.  The kids and I did go to the Washington DC temple to see the lights and it was really nice, although incredibly crowded.  We didn't wait in line to see a performance or the Nativity displays, maybe next year when the kids are a little older and more patient..

Grandma Carol came over and made gingerbread houses with the kids. She had preassembled the houses and brought way more candy than would ever fit on a house, the kids were in heaven.  Freya was the self proclaimed taste tester of candy.  The kids picked the houses over the rest of the month.

 Dad read the Treasures of Christmas book that Grandma Carol made us as a wedding gift.  Continuing a tradition from Dave's childhood.  I love this shot of them all together.

 Christmas Eve was spent at the cousins.  The kids reenacted the nativity, we sang carols, and a few presents were opened.  It was magical.

 Christmas day started with the Stockings.  Then there was present opening with two breaks, one for our traditional Ebleskiver breakfast, a tradition from my Grandma High, and another break to jump on the shipping air pockets.  Lots of popping noises and a good way to break up the opening.

 Hilde also spent a few days putting together a puzzle.

 And sugar cookies were made and decorated.

 Hilde also had a choral concert where she was an elf.  She did a fantastic job.

Here was our list of activities for this year:

1. Freya’s Birthday!  Everyone gets an advent calendar.
2. Open present from Mommy.
3. Put together Christmas puzzle.
4. Read Snowmen at Christmas
5. Set up the Nativity Set
6. Watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
7. Make and Decorate Sugar Cookies
8. Go and see the Christmas lights at the Temple
9. Make a construction paper Christmas Tree and decorate it
10.   Put together a Christmas Craft
11. Trip to Dollar Tree for kids to buy presents for each other
12. Drive through Bull Run Festival of Lights
13.   The kiddoes go to Target to buy small Christmas presents for teachers
14.   Read a Christmas Story
15.   Watch Charlie Brown Christmas
16.   Paint a Christmas picture
17.   Drink hot chocolate stirred with a minty candy cane
18.   Watch Frosty the Snowman
19.   Wrap presents for teachers and make cards for them
20.   Deliver presents to teachers  
21.   Turn the fireplace on and sing Christmas songs
22.   Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and make candy cane reindeers 
23.   Make Christmas cookies and treats for Christmas Eve
24.   Celebrate Christmas Eve with our cousins and grandparents.  Read the Treasures of Christmas and the Nativity story in the bible.
25.   CHRISTMAS!  Time to open presents, show our love for each other and have Ebelskivers for breakfast!

Overall, I would say that it was a great success.  Next year the kids really want to do a Christmas book advent where every day you unwrap a book about Christmas and read it together as a family.  I guess I am now on the hunt for some good books!  

Guess who is 2?

Freya turned 2 on December 1st.  She was super excited to have a birthday.  She wore this little cupcake dress to church and was the most adorable person at church, not that I am biased in any way.  Our spunky 2 year old continues to surprise us.  We thought that after 3 kids we had seen most things, but she finds new ways to do things daily.  She is resourceful and can get to almost anything she wants.  She holds her own against her brothers and sister resorting to out yelling if necessary.  She doesn't nap in the car, she climbs out of anything that might try to contain her, she thinks fast on her feet, she runs amazingly quickly and she loves fiercely.  I am so glad I have been home to enjoy all of her smiles, loves and enthusiasm for life.