Christmas Eve

We had our annual Christmas Eve Brunch again this year.  It's a lot of work, but we love doing it.  Marc loves a good breakfast and I could do without it most mornings.  Unfortunately that means I don't cook it as often as I should. I joke with him that I will make a huge breakfast for Christmas Eve, we have the leftovers for Christmas morning, and that should last him for the next 363 days. :) 

Amanda's parents joined us last year, and although Chris and Amanda were celebrating in Africa this year we still invited her parents to join us.  Amanda's sister and her family were in town as well so we had a lovely crowd of people joining us! 

Sweet Kayla wrote another song this year to sing at the brunch.  This girl loves Jesus. 

"From the manger to the cross.  He saved us from our sins.  He didn't make us to sit around for Him.  He told us to say, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, You're the One!"

And then Brooke surprised us by wanting to get up and sing "Away in a Manger" in front of everyone.

After a short rest time we headed out for Christmas Eve service at church. This year they had a candlelight service which the girls enjoyed.

After service we headed to mom's house for our usual seafood gumbo dinner. Yum!

Parties and Singing

We are in full Christmas mode. This year I was in charge of our neighborhood's children's Christmas party.  The kids all showed up in their pajamas and we ate, watched Polar Express, and did crafts. The girls were a big help getting things made and set up.

Reindeer cupcakes

Santa hat brownies

Crafting

We have also had several concerts to attend.  The girls each had a music performance at school, but unfortunately Macy was running a fever and couldn't go to school that day.  She was devastated, but what can you do.  Poor thing. I took her and Brooke out for breakfast after we dropped Kayla off at school.  That helped a little. :)

The elementary choir at church gathered together to sing some Christmas carols. Unfortunately it was at the same time as Cubbies.  I sent Marc along to watch the girls and I stayed with Brooke and her class.  I hated to miss it!

My Sweet Babies

Last weekend the girls went to spend the night with my mom. Marc's company Christmas party was on Friday night and we were running a 5K Saturday morning.  We were in a bit of a rush getting out of the house Friday afternoon and on our way out the door the girls were frantically asking for their wallets. They hardly ever ask for their wallets and I couldn't figure out why they needed them on our way out the door to Nini's house. I then figured that since they knew they were going to Target to pick out wrapping paper they wanted to go shopping too. Fast forward to Saturday evening.  We had put the girls in bed and I came back to the living room to see this:

Our sweet babies had taken their money and bought Christmas presents for Marc and me.  They wrapped them at Nini's house and had snuck them under the tree when we got home. Every year I take them shopping to find something for Marc, and he does the same.  They pick it out and we buy it.  This year they wanted to use their money and go shopping on their own.  They made a plan and then made it happen. I am a very blessed mama and I am so proud to be the mother to these precious little girls.

Gingerbread Houses and Caroling

Every year the gingerbread house making gets easier and easier. Other than squeezing out the icing for them we did nothing to help.  It was their creations.

I'm not sure where we were headed for this. Marc thinks it was before we went caroling, but two of the girls changed clothes.  Brooke cracks us up sometimes with what she picks out to wear with her leggings.  She LOVES wearing leggings. 

The girls wanted to go caroling again this year. It has been a busy season and we didn't make plans very well to do this. So one Saturday morning we looked in the pantry for what goodies we could make. We were able to put together a nice little spread and take some things to our neighbors and friends in the neighborhood.  The girls sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Away in a Manger." Every neighbor was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the interruption to their afternoon.

A Few Random Pictures

Macy is usually trying to avoid the camera, but somehow we managed this picture of our sweet girl.

Daddy and his girls. 

Silly Daddy and his silly kids. I love how Macy's silly face is to go to sleep. She cracks us up sometimes!

Brooke has decided that the build-a-bear glasses are her latest accessory. Between the pink glasses and pink headband she is usually wearing she is quite the fashonista.

And finally my little Indian girl. She wanted to dress up for the Awana Thanksgiving night. I think the outfit turned out cute for some last minute item gathering.

Fall Afternoon Fun

Marc raked up a nice pile of leaves and the girls were itching to get in it.

Get ready....Get set....

GO!

One more time!

With so many trees in our back yard we have no shortage of leaves to play in. The girls are thrilled about that.

Family Pictures

A few weeks ago we had some family pictures taken by one of my sister's friends. It was a little chilly outside, but despite the red cheeks and hands the kids did a great job.