Christmas!

Its been a busy couple of weeks leading up to Christmas! I haven't written much, we've been too busy but I have a week off to recharge my batteries and I wanted to catch up.

First off I have to say how well Maddie has been doing in her swimming lessons. The hesitant girl has disappeared and one who is gaining confidence every week has taken her place. We love to watch her during class. She is very strong and fast in the pool. Her skill level has certainly increased since the fall. You can see a video here.

As December went along Maddie and I were anticipating our vacation time. We love our day care family but we were in desperate need of time off to be our own little family without day care concerns. I had a good laugh one day while checking Maddie's morning meeting book....check under saturday!

We continued with our Truth in the Tinsel ornaments. It was wonderful to wind down the day with a quiet craft and the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus' name, the stable, the crown and an angel

an "I spy" jar to remind us of the census

Mary and Elizabeth--Maddie loves the part in the story when Elizabeth's baby jumps for joy when he hears Mary's voice

We were supposed to make a flat manger with baby Jesus out of salt dough but my little artist ended up making it 3D with Mary and Joseph so next to the tree, on the windowsill she made a small nativity scene.

Of course Bob the Elf was here as well and up to all sorts of hijinks like writing on windows, stealing toys and eating pancakes!

Writing with window crayons!

He got into the nature shelf

This was to let the day care kiddos know he was watching them too! My Little Pony is a favorite lately.

On Christmas Eve both Maddie and Brian had parts in a pageant at church. Somehow this time I managed to just sit back with my feet up and watch. I suspect everyone around me has known for weeks now that I need a break.

Practicing her reading-it was mostly memorized but she had her sheet just in case her nerves got the better of her! You can see the video of Maddie's part here.

Brian leading the shepards

Getting ready to sing Rise Up Shepard! We had fun watching the holy family. Baby Jesus spit out his pacifier and was being fed cheerios on the sly. Here they are singing!

 

Then on to Christmas morning!! Maddie was woken up by Momma. I admit it. I woke up at my normal 5:30 am and waited for an hour or so for everyone else to get up before I started nudging. Maddie was so excited this year. Not just for her own presents though. She made a shopping trip to get presents for Brian and I and had made presents for her grandparents. She couldn't wait for us to open them...we had to do it first thing!

Daddy opening his presents and card.

Maddie opening a new dolly outfit

 

Working on a new lego set!

 

Today, the day after Christmas, we had to send Daddy to work but we get him back for the rest of the week. So Maddie and I did a lot of hanging around and being lazy! We did another lego set. Momma had to help out because Maddie got a bit "turned around" as Poppa Bill likes to say.

Look out! Here come the Avengers!!!

 

Around lunchtime we stirred ourselves to go for a walk. Emily needed to give the new snowsuit from Mamaw Mary and Poppa Bill a try! Momma whipped up a new hat to match.

 

 

On to more vacation fun! We hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you all the best in the New Year!