raising girls. praising Him.: Christmas happenings

So, we had already determined this year that our new Christmas tradition is to be home on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Of course, we didn't realize what a blessing that'd be this year with me recovering from the surgery. We've been so excited to begin new traditions this year and continue some we already had. The week around/of Christmas looked like this for this family of three...

Abby first Christmas performance with the little ones at church. Abby even attempted the singing and motions a bit, but it was all over for her when she saw John as she was exiting the stage. :) Christmas crafts. I was impressed with Abby's creativity. Christmas-y PB&J. Always tastes better when they're different shapes! Christmas Eve Eve family dinner out. Abby admiring the gifts under the tree and being a ham for the camera. Our first gingerbread house. Yes, she had lots of help from Mom...and was much more interested in eating the candy. :) Continuing our tradition of making and decorating sugar cookie cut-outs. I thought we'd never run out of dough! Was fun though, and I was thoroughly impressed with John's decorating. Watching "White Christmas" a bazillion times per Abby's request. Watching "The Nativity Story" (and zipping past several parts) on Christmas Eve (and answering lots of Abby's questions about who and why and where...). :) Late-night Christmas Eve gift wrapping. Christmas morning gift opening. A new Christmas breakfast tradition of pumpkin cinnamon muffins. Yum!! Playing with new toys. Reading new books before a much-needed Christmas nap. Assembling new toys. Playing some more. Enjoying a yummy Christmas dinner. Singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Enjoying an after-Christmas celebration with John's family.

Here are a few photos from the week...