The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

We had a very nice Christmas this year. It has been a very nice break from school work. We have had a lot of fun just relaxing and playing with the kids.

Just a couple of days ago we decided to take a short day trip up to Prescott (pronounced presskit, the Arizona way). We visited the World's largest Gingerbread village. The one behind the kids was my favorite. It almost makes me want to try to make one. Maybe next year.

After the Gingerbread village, we headed downtown for dinner and some dancing under the local and musical light tree. It was pretty impressive. The huge pine tree was planted the year Arizona became a state and resides in front of the courthouse. We met another couple who had come up to Prescott from Phoenix too - only in hopes of finding snow. We wanted to beat it. I think they got what they wanted yesterday.

We have a book called Just Me in the Bath by Mercer Mayer. This is where Noel learned that by putting suds on his face, he can be Santa. So - he is obsessed with soap suds. Even when it's in a sink full of dirty dishes. He will get the bathroom stool, bring it out to the kitchen, get up on it and grab a handful of suds and slap it on his face. Then he laughs like crazy and yells, "I'm Santa!" and runs around wild.

Christmas Eve we started a couple new traditions. We made Christmas pizza.

Then we made a birthday cake for Jesus (not pictured, unfortunately).

Then I played some Christmas hymns and songs and we sang. The best part was when we got out the jingle bells and the kids sang the song. Claire said, "this is the funnest!"

Christmas morning at our house was a little unexpected. Aaron told the kids Christmas Eve, that they had to stay in their beds and go to sleep if they wanted Santa to come. At bed time they went in their room and shut the door. They didn't come out for anything. We actually had to go get them in the morning. This is such a drastic difference from the norm at bedtime at our house! We spent the rest of the day playing with new stuff and talking on the phone to missed family.

Sunday morning. It was nice and relaxing Christmas week-end. We hope that yours was safe and happy too!