Before my Christmas stuff is totally packed up and put away (which might be a very long time, yet, as I’ve only just started), I wanted to share a few memories and photos from Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, we always tell the Nativity story, and either act it out with costumes or use the puppets that I made a few years ago. This year, the kids didn’t want us to read the story from the Bible, they said they knew it already and could do it themselves. They put in a few things that aren’t in the Bible version but that they learned from going to see Saviour of the World. They did a great job and it was, as usual, a fun take on the Christmas story. Here’s a picture of them all taking their curtain call after the performance.
puppet show

On Christmas morning, John was probably most excited about his “Cars” items, and he’s played every day with his little McQueen and the “Dinaco King” as he calls him.
cars cars stuff

Natalie was thrilled with her almost American Girl doll, and Jenna really enjoyed this Lion that you stuff yourself (like a build a bear, but the at home version).
Natalie Jenna

Cole got a fun build it yourself electronics thing with circuits and things that I don’t understand all that much. He seemed very excited about it, though. And here’s miss Megan with her new movie.
building megan

The best part of Christmas is getting together with family members, so here’s a few pictures of our family parties we enjoyed.
Joseph kids me and John Grandma

Ryan’s mom made a whole bunch of knit caps for all the kids to chose one (or two) and then gave the rest to humanitarian services. I couldn’t believe how excited the kids all were to pick out their own hats.
hats more hats even more hats

So, there you have it, folks, a few memories and a few pictures (ok, a lot) from our Christmas here. Happy thoughts before we take it all down and return to the barren humdrum of January.