Christmas 2012

While in Arkansas for Christmas, the weather was wonderful most of the time.  Grace loves playing on the Ellie's play set.  She especially loved the climbing wall.

 The girls all got together one evening to do our nails.  I painted Grace's pink while she painted mine white and sparkly.  She actually did a pretty good job.  I love how interested Steve is in this picture.

We were able to spend the evening with Katie's parents on night.  They made a wonderful meal of gumbo.  Then presents were given, and Grace and Glen both got books and beautiful blankets that have their names on them (you can see Grace opening up her pink blanket).

Glen got a little carried away with the wrapping of the presents.  But he does not seem to mind having a bow in his hair.

One morning we decided to make ginger bread houses.

The set was wonderful and went together really well.

And though we did not follow the instructions very well....

 and the kids had to have some help...

 and much of the candy was eaten before it ever made it to the house...

 The ginger bread house turned out great!

 Later on that day, Grandma Sue, Grace, and Ellie all made press cookies.  A long standing Christmas tradition of Matt's side of the family.  They had a great time doing it.

 Christmas Eve we went to church.  I wore a sweater that had pretty buttons on it.  Grace wanted to button and unbutton my sweater over and over and over.  It kept her happy and it was good buttoning practice.  I was content to just kneel and watch all that was going on around me.

At church we got to sing Christmas carols by candle light.  Grace sang...something...loud and excitedly.  It was like no carol that I had ever heard, but it was a joyful noise to the Lord.

 Christmas morning, oranges were found in the stockings.

 Presents were unwrapped.

Joy and wrapping paper abounded.

It was a great Christmas.  I am happy that we are able to experience the Christmas joy many times a season, with both sides of our families.