On Christmas Eve we went to a short service at the church in the afternoon -- songs, readings from the scriptures, etc. Nash, Grant, and I played Silent Night on our violins for part of it. We came home, and did our normal traditional Christmas Eve things -- including the re-enactment of the story of Christ's birth (above), and the almond pudding (below) -- Heidi was the winner this year, and she had us all fooled, too. Not one of us even suspected she had the almond.
The kids wrote lengthy, and at times apologetic, letters to Santa -- making one last plea to give them presents despite their shortcomings this year. I think they also left a plateful of celery greens for the reindeer.
On Christmas morning -- lining up to come up the stairs (not down, like in our last house).
Various reactions from the kids to the presents Santa brought -- the expected little 4-year old girl glee at anything pink and princess-y (above), and a teenager who passed out (below).
Mallory enjoyed her little grocery store check-out stand -- it even makes the little "Erp" sound for her.
The boys got mostly electronic stuff -- doesn't make for very exciting pictures. Grant and Luke received a few Playmobil sets they have been craving.
