Christmas

Christmas was awesome. We had such a good time and was able to see everyone. First, the Christmas Eve extravangza was a lot of fun. Food, crafts, crazy kids, a puppy and lots of love. We missed Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle David, but luckily got to spend some time with them the next day. In addition to running wild and laughing like crazy, the kids wresteled Uncle Matt, did Christmas crafts, had an awesome nativity and sang rudolf with one of their crafts.

It so fun to have little kids do the nativity! Joseph didn't stick around for long as he kept climbing onto the back of the couch but he loved his costume and didn't take it off until the gift explosion. Also, the shepherd made a quick entrance and exit as he ran into and right back out of the room, shedding his costume as he went. This is the only picture I got of the nativity, but we caught it on video camera, so it's good.

We also got to sing songs with the fam. My Aunt Karen is so sweet! She always plays the piano for our Christmas Eve parties. But, I can only play the big notes songs very slowly, so there was not chance of me being able to play for our party. She actually recorded over an hour's worth of piano music so we could sing. How sweet is that? I owe her big time. My talented sissy-in-law also pitched in with the piano stuff and played during the whole nativity and for a few songs as well. That's so neat. Thanks Diana and Karen!!

The gift explosion was fun, as well. When kids are little, it's so fun to hear them squeal with excitement as they open a gift. The reaction is worth so much more than anything you could buy.

The next day we got to go to Mom and Dad's for the day. It was really relaxing and we got to spend time with each other.

We've already decided we need to do the Extravaganza party every year, even if it's not on Christmas Eve. This holiday is definitely one that will be remembered for a long time.