Christmas 2011

I absolutely loved our Christmas this year. The girls were a delight and their excitement was contagious. Afton and Maisy anxiously counted down the days and tried their hardest to be 'so good'. Afton asked Santa a for a princess cape, fairy dust so she could fly, and a Care Bears Elephant. Maisy wanted one thing-- Barney. We took part in all the local Christmas events and the girls were so excited to celebrate Baby Jesus's birth and Santa's arrival too.

We spent the 'Eve of Christmas Eve' baking cookies and eating homemade chili with Jeff's family. The sugar cookies didn't last long...

Notice the shoes here:  the one time Maisy is dressed in head-to-red, she refuses to wear her red "dorothy shoes".          Instead she opted for hot pink patent leather. Funny girl!

 

 

On Christmas Eve we attended the afternoon children's service at church. The music and laid-back atmosphere was a hit with this group. Afterwards we had both our families over for a traditional dinner complete with roasted turkey-- compliments of Jeff :) 

On Christmas morning, we actually woke the girls up at 6:30am. We couldn't wait any longer! They rushed down the stairs to see what Santa had brought. Afton found her cape, the Care Bears Elephant and instead of fairy dust--- a new bike. Santa left a letter explaining that he couldn't give her fairy dust--it was best to leave the flying to his elves and reindeer. But instead he made her a new bike, so she might be able to go just as fast :)

Santa did bring Maisy her Barney and a new puppet theater as well since she is such a fan of the 'puppets and shakies' at the library. (Of course she hasn't put her Barney down since he arrived!) Then we exchanged our gifts. Under the tree I found an iPad, Maisy got a mini-four-wheeler, Afton unwrapped a Nintendo DS, and Jeff got his own razor scooter!

My Dad and Tricia joined us for breakfast, a few more gifts (new running shoes!!!) and then some outdoor fun.

That evening we had Christmas dinner at my Mom and Dave's house. I loved getting to spend time time with my sisters too. 

We were so happy to celebrate Christmas with our family and pause to give thanks for all of life's blessings.

Merry Christmas!