Christmas!

There was a lot of build up and anticipation for Christmas this go 'round! Between church, preschool, Grant's art class, taking Hope to the Nutcracker on my birthday, and special play dates, we had plenty of occasions to get in the spirit. Holidays are SO fun with kids! I couldn't possibly go over everything we did to get merry, but here's a sampling:

We made a gingerbread house (a second time, with Aunt K and Grandma)


We ate said gingerbread house!

Grant, Grandma, Grandma Pickle and I watched Hope's preschool Christmas program. It was cute all the way from the girls in fancy dresses, to the Christmas songs they sang, to the occasional 4-year-old ad lib!

We baked and decorated birthday cakes for Jesus. I hope he likes sprinkles!

And raisins, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and pink frosting :)


Christmas Eve was very sweet. Hope joined us in "big" church, and had her first communion. It was special for me because while our Pastor explained to the congregation that communion is just for those who've professed faith, and that it's to remind us of Christ's sacrifice, I got to whisper the preschool version of the same thing to Hope. She sincerely believes, and has for quite awhile now. I think communion was still a vague concept for her, but she was happy to partake, and it was definitely momentous for me and Daddy to share with her!


When the big morning finally arrived, Hope and Grant did not disappoint. The first thing they unwrapped was the rocket ship play set ("dollhouse") that Hope has been wanting for months. She didn't jump around or scream, but she just looked SO delighted!


They were both full of great faces and reactions!


Or should I say, all three of my precious peeps were full of good reactions :)


2 years and 3 months must be some kind of perfect age for Christmas present glee. Some gifts didn't wow Grant, but there were a couple that made him squeal and clap and cheer. It was awesome! It's hard to see, but they've both got great faces here as they tried out Grant's stomp rocket.


I wasn't brave enough to buy a real drum set (this year), like the one he loves at Ladan and Ev's house, but Grant was pretty thrilled to figure out this electronic drum pad. I'm hoping he'll get more interested in the drumming and less interested in the hitting-people-with-drumsticks sooner rather than later ...



Grandma and Grandpa came over at lunchtime and spent the whole rest of the day just hanging out with us and playing with the kids. Of course, they brought gifts. And of course, this one takes the cake!


This baby goes up to 5mph! You can bet that Hope and Grant will both be enjoying it for a long time!


We've been enjoying the last days of winter break immensely. Lots of time with family, soaking up Daddy's days off, playing with favorite new toys, and catching our breath for the new year!