Christmas Eve 2011

Backing up to Friday morning. We let the boys open their gift from Nana and Papa. They were very excited and left us alone all day! Mission accomplished.

On to holiday baking. We had given away everything we made, so we had to make some yummies for our family.

Ben put the finishing touches on his gingerbread house for Santa.

Nana and Nathan worked on sugar cookies.

We had so much fun with the elf this year. Sam did this Thursday night and was going to tell the boys he got stuck flying back in. I was concerned this would freak out Ben as he is very sensitive about the elf, so he took up residents on the fire mantel. The boys couldn't find him that morning and I heard Ben say to Nathan "did you touch him!?". Haha.

The Christmas pageant (Children's service) was at 3pm but we needed to be there by 2pm. Nicholas had a nap and was good to go, Nathan, not so much. He fell asleep 100ft from the church. Luckily we were 20mins early so we drove some laps and got him a half hour nap. Better than nothing!

Ben ready to go. 

Ben as one of the three wise men 

Nicholas and Nathan were stable animals (Donkeys)

Nathan was chosen as one of the animals that gets to sit up with baby Jesus.

Nicholas was a bit, uh, feisty. He refused to wear his donkey hat, which I assume was because I asked him to.

The wise men deliver their gifts to baby Jesus

There was a cookie social after. Bless the mom who brought the cookies with the blue frosting. It was all over Nicholas' very WHITE shirt.

Nathan enjoying his blue frosting cookie.

Santa's elves at work

Our children were yet again blessed with a wonderful Christmas and abundance of gifts.