We had a WONDERFUL Christmas this year. We, like last year, enjoyed just staying home for Christmas. Plus, we snatched up Jake's mom for the second year in a row. We're feeling pretty spoiled! There were two new traditions started this year:
1. Singing at a rest home on Christmas Eve (sorry, no picture)
My cute friend had an idea that we could teach our kids songs to sing on Christmas eve and put on a little show for all the lonely old people who were still around. It was great. Not only did it help pass the day as we waited for Christmas, but it also taught my girls how to think of others at a time when it seems like things are all about them and what they are getting from Santa. They all sang great, and were even joined by these amazing 5-year-old triplet girls who all played the violin. Sophie got yelled at by a sweet but crazy old man right before the performance, making her upset. She chose to opt out of the performance, but gave us a great encore at our own little Christmas Eve program at home. Overall, it was a success! Hopefully we'll do it again next year.
2. The New Years Olympics
This was actually Mary's (my amazing mother-in-law) doing. She planned this whole list of events like "carpet square hop" and "paper airplane throwing" and even a "see how long it takes for you to make Ben laugh". It was great. They earned all these silver and gold 'medals' for winning, participating, and being good winners/losers. It was great fun for all!
The 'carpet square hop' event
Christmas morning was exciting, as always. It was so fun for Ben to participate this year. (Last year, he slept through all the festivities) It was a very bike Christmas.
Ben was all smiles about his new T-ball set. This kid is super obsessed with balls.
Our little sleepy heads posing on their new bikes.
After we finished up with Christmas at home, we headed down to Grandma and Grandpa Shaw's house for more Christmas fun. While there, we took this great picture:
This is every single person in the Shaw Family. It's the first time we've all been together since before by little brother's mission! I'm quite proud of this cute family. We had a wonderful time visting my parents and all my siblings for a few days, including my sister from Florida. Afterwards, we picked up Grandma Mary and headed back home for more fun. Jake had the whole two weeks off...it was heavenly!
Here's a picture of the kids saying good-bye to Grandma on her last day. Thanks for visiting us!
Here's a picture of the kids saying good-bye to Grandma on her last day. Thanks for visiting us!
