This was our first year to have Christmas at our own home. It was so much fun to be able to start traditions of our own for our little family.
Fred joined our family this year. He is one of Santa's Elves sent to us from the North Pole. Each day he watches the kids to see if they are being naughty or nice. And each night he reports to Santa what he saw. In the morning he is in a different spot of the house. There is only one rule. You can not touch him!
Growing up, on the Eve of Christmas Eve, my family would all sleep around the tree. Josh got to sleep around our tree this year. He was so excited!
On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a beautiful snow fall. Mark took the kids out to play in it.
They built a snowman.
And built, smashed, and rebuilt snow castles.
They got into a few snowball fights.
And went sledding!
That evening we had our good friends the Tree's over.
We made gingerbread houses.
Ate a ton of great food.
Danced to Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas!
And of course, among all the fun and games, you can't forget the reason for the season. Mark told the Christ story to the kids using our Nativity and each of the kids had their own little part.
The kids opened their Christmas PJ's.
We couldn't forget treats for Santa.
And we called it a night!
I love the excitement that is in the air with little kids and all their cute guesses of what Santa may bring!