Christmas in the Park

One of the near-by parks had a free night of fun!  There was hot chocolate, cookies, the carousel, a train to ride, Mr. & Mrs Claus, and a live Nativity.  We had a great time- it was a little chilly but totally worth it!!On the way home I asked Izzy what her favorite part was and she said “Baby Jesus.”  I think Piper’s was the hot chocolate… can you see it all around her mouth in the last pic??

Tea Time

We went to the Secret Tea Room with Alaina and Melissa and had a great time.  The food was great and it was so fun to see the girls enjoying themselves.  They served them pink lemonade in tea cups and brought ice cubes in sugar bowls with little tongs for them to use.  They thought they were big stuff.  I am so thankful for these fun times!!

Traditions

One of the things I love about the Christmas season is the presents.  I think that is the kid in me coming out.  Back when Tim and I first got married we had to strike up a contract on when we would open presents.  Otherwise I would pester him all the time to pleeeeease lets just open one present. It’s really about him seeing what I got for him.  And now about seeing the girls open their things.  ANYWAYS- our deal is 1 present on the Saturday before Christmas, 1 present on Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas morning.  So we opened our first present today!  Piper is into ripping off the paper but still needs a little help from Izzy.  Tim & I opened our gifts too but of course didn’t take pics of that   Tim opened his girt from Izzy which was a Ukulele (she picked it out) and I opened 1 from Tim which was an electric skillet ( a really big deep one!)  It was fun seeing the girls be excited about opening their gift!

And a new tradition- a family pic in front of our Christmas tree!

Breakfast with Mary & Joseph

One of the churches near by had a breakfast with Mary and Joseph last weekend.  Sounded like lots of fun so we went.  It was a great time!!  They had breakfast, crafts and dress-up clothes (from a Christmas play).   We dressed both girls up as angel’s and they got their picture taken with Mary & Joseph.

 

Funny story- We went to a walk-through Nativity the night before at another church (which was great).  Izzy was really paying attention and was connecting some ideas.  So she was really excited to see Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.  When we got on stage for the picture Izzy asked where Baby Jesus was and they told her that he was still in Mary’s tummy since it wasn’t Christmas yet.  Nevermind they were in the stable with the manger ready…… anyways Izzy thought for a minute and looked up to above where Mary & Joseph were and there was a big star.  She promptly told them that since the big star was here then that means Baby Jesus was here!  They were a little surprised, told her she had a good point but said they were still waiting on Baby Jesus.  She was a little disappointed but when I mentioned doughnuts she was satisfied and we went off to eat our breakfast!

Tis the season

We got to enjoy in some holiday festivities on Friday evening.  There was a Festival of lights downtown and we went.  Usually our kids are in bed around 7:30-8 but we decided to go and have fun and stay til they (or we) were done.  We got cool reindeer antlersEven daddy wore them!  There was roasted corn which is a favorite for our family!   And Santa was there….. Piper wasn’t too excited.  And marshmallows to roastFace paintingAnd lots of family fun!Even fake snow….

Who knew we would have real snow the next day!!  Daddy of the year took both kids out in it all by himself.  Which is a big accomplishment in my opinion!!  Those snow suits are a doozie to put on!  AND he even took pictures for me (I was working)  Thanks baby!!

  After warming up the girls tried on their new hats!  Vary cute!!A few days later Tim and Izzy went on their first official Daddy Daughter date.  She wanted to wear a pretty dress…. she was soooo excited!  He took her to see Tangled (the new Disney movie based on Rapunzel) and she LOVED it!!!  My Daddy and I went on dates and it is something I’m thrilled for Tim to do with our girls!

We bought a gingerbread train kit…. NOT RECCOMENDED!  It was somewhat fun/frustrating.  Izzy liked it but it was kinda hard to get to stay together….. and it didn’t even taste good.  Tim decided next year we will make one with graham crackers and premade cake frosting   Yummy!                                 And finally here is our official Santa picture for 2010.  Both girls did good with him.  If you want a good mall Santa I recommend Oak Hollow!