Christmas Joys (Part 1)

Christmas is such a magical time of year.  I love seeing the excitement and joy in my kids eyes as we do various holiday activities.  I love that the simplest things bring them so much happiness.  From meeting Olaf, to riding on a Christmas train, to decorating cookies, and opening presents. The fun just never ends.  I love the feeling that comes with Christmas.  We had an extra special Christmas this year as we participated in the LDS church's initiative to Light the World.  Each day for the 25 days leading up to Christmas we tried to do something to serve others.  Sometimes it was big and other times it was small, but either way we felt the spirit of Christ a little more throughout this special time of year.

One of our Light the World days we went to the park and picked up trash.  An older man saw Carter picking up trash and gave him a high five for being nice.  Carter's face lit up with excitement.  That little experience made the whole thing worth it for these kiddos.

At our neighborhood party, the kids were super excited to meet Anna, Olaf, and Elsa.

And we had to meet the "Big Guy" of course.

 Not once, but twice (just so he didn't forget what we wanted).

This little munchkin had her end of the year Christmas Dance Recital.  She loves dance but completely froze up on stage and wouldn't do any of the dance.  Hopefully next year will be better.

Just getting that costume was totally worth it for her though.

Carter had his preschool Christmas program.  He has such a cute class of all boys.  That poor, poor teacher. 

Our ward Christmas party was a blast.  The kids loved decorating Christmas cookies,

and meeting Santa for a third time.  We're basically best buds with him now.

The kids saw the Grinch movie for the first time so, naturally, we had to do a Grinch craft afterwards.

Grandma Dede and Grandpa Mike brought over some Christmas presents a little early since we would be in Utah for Christmas day.

They always get the kids the cutest gifts.

Carter has officially become a "Lego Boy".

 And before we headed up to Utah we got together with Sagers cousins and acted out the nativity.  Hayden was our little angel girl.

 Carter was a shepard, McKay was a sheep, and I was a wise man.  Acting out the nativity is always a favorite holiday tradition of mine.

Part 2: Christmas in Utah to come soon.......