Christmas Fun!

Boy oh boy did we have a full calendar in December (and this is just some of the highlights!) with all of our fun Christmas activities! We started the month with a Christmas celebration at Taylor's school. They invited all of the parents in for cookies, punch and caroling. Taylor showed us around her school and shared some of her favorite things after we finished our treats and sang some songs.

The next big event on our agenda was the Christmas program at our church. The theme was a Christmas Toy Shop and all of the kids were asked to wear their Halloween costumes to look like toys in the shop. Well you don't have to ask Taylor twice to wear her Cinderella dress! :) She was very timid and did not want to cooperate during rehearsals, but once the day came she performed wonderfully! We were so proud of her.

We also enjoyed decorating sugar cookies with our friends Clayton and his mommy Holly. Clayton and Taylor had a blast using different colors of icing and sprinkles. Their mommy's even let them enjoy a cookie for themselves! We also got together with Clayton and Holly after the New Year to make pine cone bird feeders for their grandparents and snowman crafts (we were supposed to get this in before Christmas, but thanks to lots of illnesses we had to postpone it). Unfortunately I didn't have my camera that day, but I can assure you that their bird feeders and snowmen were awesome! Thanks for supplying so many of the materials and creating a very fun afternoon Holly!

We also attended the Caterpillar Christmas party. They hosted a laser light show at the Long Center. We had never attended anything like this and it was really neat. Both Taylor and Bryce enjoyed the Christmas music and lights. They provided cookies and punch afterwards and you could also visit with Santa. Bryce agreed (for about 15 seconds) and Taylor stood a nice distance away. We are thankful that Caterpillar makes an effort to host special activities throughout the year for their employees families.

Taylor and Mommy spent an afternoon building a very cool gingerbread house (while brother napped :). We think it turned out spectacular! It was very sad to throw it away after the season was over. We are thinking of building a Valentine house to replace it because we just can't wait until next Christmas!

And last, but not least, was the Fink Family Christmas Eve. This has been a tradition in our family for around 70 years! My dad's brothers and sisters and their families gather on Christmas Eve for supper, presents and a very special visit from Santa. This night brings back so many memories for me as a child (when we used to gather at Grandma's house). We couldn't eat supper fast enough because we knew what was next......Santa always arrives around 8:00 with a bag a goodies for all of the little ones (with the help of a special elf). Everyone has a chance to sit with Santa and share their wishes. Even Grandma always made a point to sit on Santa's lap and visit. After Santa heads back to the North Pole we pass out all of the presents. It's so much fun to see what each other rec'd. Most years there are special gifts such as old, framed pictures of Grandma and Grandpa, family heirlooms, etc. A few years ago (after Grandma passed away) some of our family put together binders with special family photos and the most prized recipes from Grandma's collection. EVERY family member rec'd one! What a treasure to have always and for my children to have. It warms my heart and fills my eyes with tears to think of all of the memories over the years.

Well....enjoy the pictures below.

Taylor snuggling in for a long winter's nap.

Daddy and Taylor at her school Christmas party.

Taylor is showing us how they wear special glasses and a BIG pointer pencil to do the weather bunny each day. They have a bunny on the wall that is dressed by the kids each day according to the weather. This style of glasses is from my childhood, but doesn't she look cute!

Singing songs for the Christmas program at church.

Taylor taking her place during the program - look at that grin!

Concentrating on some serious cookie decorating.

Clayton adds a special touch to his cookie masterpiece!

Look at those awesome cookies - sure look yummy!

Bryce talking to Santa for a moment at the CAT party.

Taylor is proud of our beautiful gingerbread house.

We even created a snowman to stand in the snow outside of our house.

Nanny Fink and Bryce playing on Christmas Eve - waiting for Santa...

Look who has arrived!

"Hey Santa - I'm down here!"

Bryce would only see Santa if he could sit on Daddy's lap.

Same goes with Taylor...

Taylor opening her new Little Mermaid toy from her cousin Zoe.

Bryce opening new bath toys from his cousin Liam. Thanks for the great gifts Westlund family!

Check back in to read about our Christmas Day and the first sledding of the season!

More later...