'Twas the night before Christmas, forget that darn mouse,
The Peacocks were eating at Texas Roadhouse.
When we returned home, we found at the door,
Treats and gifts with surprises in store.
Uncle Jay had come, no, his nose was not rosy.
He had left us new books and new blankets so cozy.
A new "Night Before Christmas" book he had brought,
With blankets and cookies and Cider, so hot.
Next came the new jammies, this is something we do.
Each child gets new PJ's in red, green, or blue.
Next onto the reindeer food, those reindeer must eat.
Carrots, oatmeal, and sprinkles are surely a treat.
Of course we make cookies, for Santa's round tummy.
We all sneak some too, they are so very yummy!
We set out his plate with egg nog and a letter,
Then snuggle for story time...how can this get better!?
"Twas the Night Before Christmas..." Daddy's story begins.
We all try to join in amid giggles and grins.
Then we cuddle in close by the twinkling tree lights,
And read the great story of the first Christmas night.
We talk about Jesus and the new star so bright,
And then we together sing "Silent Night."
Our stockings are then hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon with be there!
We check on the laptop, where is Old St Nick?
He's in Pennsylvania! Get to bed! QUICK!
The children are nestled all snug in their beds,
With visions of Christmas morning dancing in their heads.
And Rob in his PJ's and I in mine too,
Gear up for the job that now we must do.
We don't watch Christmas specials or movies I fear,
"The Lord of the Rings" is what we watch each year.
At last it is bedtime, the lights are all dimmed.
The presents are under the tree that is trimmed.
We go to our bed and turn off the light.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Aunt Miki has wanted the kids to come for a sleepover for a long time, and we finally got to do it over Christmas break. The kids were so excited and even more thrilled that their cousins, Mary and Ben were coming too! We watched a movie, ate popcorn, and pulled out the sleeping bags for a fun sleepover. In the morning, we had yummy french toast! Thanks Miki for a great sleepover!!
McKell and Ashlee LOVE taking dance at Tiffany Dance Co. They do such a great job with the girls. This year, they did their Christmas dance to "Santa Baby" which was hilarious. They even got to wear Ring Pops for the part in the song where it says, "I forgot to mention one little thing...a ring." The girls looked SO cute in their little Santa dresses and the were very excited to get flowers from us.
The girls with their awesome teacher, Tiffany.
For the past few years, I have hosted a Ladies' Night Out - Ornament Exchange. It is seriously one of the highlights of my whole Christmas season. Everyone brings yummy food and a wrapped ornament. We then do a white elephant style exchange which is always a blast! I'm so glad so many people could come and am already looking forward to next year! Thanks Ladies!!
Cute little Jaxson smiling on Santa's lap
Cayden and Santa
Sadie and Santa
Ashlee and Santa
McKell and Santa
The Nativity - Notice that Sadie is supposed to be with the other angels, but once she saw that Jaxson was baby Jesus, she just had to come give him kisses.
The Nativity
Our sweet angels
Poor Cayden agreed to be Joseph, even though he thought he was too old. Doesn't he look thrilled!?
We love our annual Christmas baking day. My girls love it too. We spend a full Saturday before Christmas baking all sorts of goodies to deliver for neighbor gifts. The girls are a big help and so was Rob. (Cayden wasn't too interested.) My mixer broke which was not good, but luckily I had a back up! It was a fun day of baking for sure!!
Cayden had his Christmas piano recital and did a great job. We love his teacher, Wendy Gillette. She does a great job with him. He played "Joy to the World." and did great!!
