Christmas Eve

 We had a pretty laid back Christmas Eve since the kids were recovering from being sick. That did NOT mean they didn't want to eat our yummy dinner which consisted of four lbs of shrimp,  two lbs of linguini, and a veggie Christmas tree.

 and maybe some Andes mints

 they wrapped their Jesus gifts and couldn't wait to reveal them to everyone

 these silly kiddos all wanted pictures with the newly groomed Maisy

 while Zoe's spot for the evening was behind the tree

 Reading out of the family bible which has been passed down...

 Zoe came to listen as well

 then the kiddos took turns revealing their gifts for Jesus

 food, medicine, a bible, and a pig this year

 all of the candles were lit then we sang many carols together.

 the last door was opened to reveal baby Jesus

 Cailey and Braden played O' Holy Night then we ended with our nightly ritual of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

After our evening Christmas routine we let the kids stay up and watch The Christmas Story with Daddy...because Mommy can't watch it again, and again, and again :). They were thrilled to join daddy with this new Christmas Eve tradition.

Christmas Traditions and Pics

 With Zoe in the house this year we had to change things up a bit so instead of filling the advent calendar pockets with Andes mints (which Zoe would've totally eaten) I put a clue in each day of something fun we would be doing. Ex. cookie baking day, ice skating, family movie night, etc.

 December 1st

 Mike the Elf and Olaf shenanigans

 nightly advent activities together:

we read from the book

then discuss

and put the magnet on the advent board

then light the candles and sing songs

last up we move to the dining room (light candles in there) for Cailey and Braden to play songs that we sing to 

and always end with The Twelve Days of Christmas broken down into
different parts

 For the THIRD year in a row we spent Christmas Adam at the dr. because Cailey and Braden were sick. Sadly we weren't able to go to Christmas at the DPAC but we did enjoy appetizer night.

 Cailey babysat while Brian and I went to dinner and we came home to them building marble mazes.

 we were so happy to add these sweet girls to our family this year....and a picture of ALL the girls together

 all my babies

 the boys all wanted pictures with the puppies fresh from the groomer

 daddy and the pups

lots of Christmas crafts and ornaments were made, books were read, and we always read the books that go along with this tree and decorate it.

Durham Museum with Welchs

 We went to the Durham Science Museum with the Welchs. The kiddos had a great time but we didn't have near enough time for the whole thing so we will def have to go back :).

 I love all the learning opportunities for science, math, health, art, etc. available in FUN forms.

 they loved the origami (minus Aunt Laura:)

 after watching an eye opening demonstration about booster seats the kids did a Christmas craft/experiment in the lab.

 then it was time for lunch

 Our matchy kiddos! 

 Ephram ran to sit on this saddle

 the girlies petting a cow

 The last place we were able to explore was the butterfly house. Most fascinating bug we saw was the green leaf bug because they look exactly like leaves! Talk about camouflage!

saying farewell to our friends after a great day