Fun days before Christmas!

We had a lot of fun as a family the few days before Christmas.  We went through the nativity story for FHE using nativity magnets, made sugar cookies and other yummy treats, had a family dinner on Christmas Eve with my sister Julia and her fiance Jon, visited the church historic sites Nativity display, and Jacob shoveled lots and lots of snow!  Staying in Ohio for Christmas usually makes it not feel like Christmas to me, but I am learning how to make our own family traditions and activities make it feel like Christmas here.  I am excited to keep making Christmas special for just our little family.

Claire LOVED making sugar cookies with me.  I'm learning how to let go and not get upset about the mess or the cookies not being perfect.  She actually did pretty good with her own little pile of dough!

Sweet girl!

On Christmas Eve we had a family dinner with Julia and her fiance Jon.  I made all the usual's...ham, rolled, scalloped potatoes, fresh green beans with almonds, and raspberry jello salad.  It was yummy and fun.  Tommy is obsessed with shoes and here he is with future Uncle Jon, trying on Jon's shoes.

On Christmas Eve we had the kids open their Christmas pajamas!  Claire thought it was great fun and Tommy just liked the paper.

Showing off the pajamas!

Daddy and Tommy!

Claire understood that it was Christmas the next day, but didn't know she should wake up early or anything.  We tried to explain about Santa, but she doesn't quite get the whole idea yet.  Tommy had no clue of course. :)  I'm sure they will both understand a lot more next year.