Christmas

We spent Christmas at home in Pennsylvania this year.  We were able to invite our dear friends Karina and Sebastian over to join our Christmas Eve traditions.

 The boys sang happy birthday to Jesus with this beautiful and delicious pineapple cake that Karina made.

 We made our cookies for Santa.  We ate a ham dinner with homemade au gratin potatoes and green beans.  Then we went to Allentown to see Lights in the Parkway.  As we were leaving our house it began to snow.  It was definitely a great present on our enjoyable Christmas Eve.

 When we got home from seeing all the lights Gavin had already fallen asleep.  Tim and Xavier had a mini snowball fight and scraped up enough snow to make our first snowman of the season.  Christmas was definitely complete when our corner of the Earth is covered in a blanket of white fresh snow.

 We opened our pajamas and read the Christmas story in the scriptures.

 Then Xavier was off to bed and we awaited the arrival of Santa Claus.

 Gavin's favorite word is "uhprise" which means surprise.  Boy were they SURPRISED when they came downstairs to see Santa's surprises.  

 The scooters were a hit and have been a great indoor activity during the cold days.

 Ninjago's and Legos have now invaded our home.

 Gavin was all giggles when he saw his buddy Elmo waiting for him.

 Light saber battling.  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Richardson.

 Batman blocks from Grandma and Grandpa Schiffman.

 And T-Rex from Grandma and Grandpa Schiffman too.

 There is a wonderful feeling that comes when your children's faces light up at the magic Christmas morning brings.  But more importantly, no matter what we found under the tree this Christmas morning, we are forever grateful to our Savior who lived and died because of His love for each of us.  The season of giving is a season that brings happiness to many and I hope that we always remember Him who gave so much for each of us, so that we could have a life of joy and happiness.

 Our Christmas morning breakfast of pancakes, homemade blueberry syrup, all shaped into a happy breakfast face.

 My dear friend Conni hosted my family and my friend Kim's family for Christmas dinner.  We had a blast!  I feel so lucky to have met some women here in Pennsylvania I consider sister's.  They are amazing!

 The kiddos minus Gavin.  He wasn't feeling like smiling at the moment.

Kim, Conni, and I.  We totally didn't plan the matching red shirts.  But great minds think alike.  I told you we are like sisters!  

I will be sad when it's time to take down the decorations and life will go back to a normal routine.  But I do love these times in our lives when we can forget about the normal stresses of life and remember the people and the faith that makes it all worthwhile.