Christmas Play

The Kids Christmas play at Church was last night. All of the kids did a great job! I was especially proud of Nathan, he stood still (most) of the time and did exactly what he was supposed to. Lana, of course sang loud and did a great job! :)

Shepherds and Angiels waiting patiently

The big kids! We chose horrible seats, whoops!! And below and a couple video clips!

A New Tradition

We have a big(er) tree that we put in the living room. I have a lot of ornaments that are special, meaningful, and some that are just pretty that I love to put on my tree. I love having a pretty and color coordinated tree in our house. As the kids have come along they have started helping us decorate the tree and I love it. They enjoy it so much, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have a small tree I have had since I was younger, and this year I decided to put it in the kitchen just for fun. Thought it would be fun to have another tree up, and I was looking for colored lights(rainbow as Lana calls them) because she really likes them. I thought I had some but couldn't find them. Anyway, Lana and I put this tree up and she was sad that it didn't have any ornaments. I didn't even do this on purpose but as the kids made and received ornaments this Christmas Season they started putting them on this tree. It was then I decided to start the tradition that the kids could have their own tree. They can decorate it however they want, they can even touch it (they aren't allowed to touch the other tree, only look).

Each ornament on this small tree has been made or given to the kids this year. I love it! Lana even put the quilt (that her Grandma made) under the tree because she insisted it needed a tree skirt! (Next year I think we are going to need to use our 6 foot tree) Lana made each of these ornaments in school this year. There are nine students in Lana's class, which is a great number, and she has the sweetest teacher. You can tell she takes time with these kids, thinks of them as her own, and does special things with them! The one I am holding is Lana's name in her own hand writing, so sweet! All of the others they made in class! Lana's teacher also gave each student, a book, a throw, a puzzel, an ornament, pencils, and candy! So so very thankful for Lana's preschool and that she has the opportunity to go there and learn, and be loved by such wonderful people! And, this is the gift that Lana made for Josh and I in preschool. The Christmas tree is made with her own little finger prints! I absolutely love it! (It's ceramic)

Lana's Preschool Program

Lana's Preschool put on a Christmas Program! We just loved watching. The kids were so sweet! There are about 50-3,4, and 5 year olds that attend this preschool. First, they sang a few Christmas songs together!

The whole group on stage!

Lana in the center of the front row, you can pick her out by her hair! :)

After they sang a few songs, they told the Christmas story. Each kid had a letter to hold up, that they decorated, and each kid had a line. Below is Lana saying her line, I didn't video the whole thing since it was pretty long and there were a lot of kids. Proud of Lana she did so well.

Afterwards we drove arounf looking at Christmas lights! The kids LOVED this!!

Sneaky Boy

Every night I always take one last peek at each kid before I go to bed, last night, this is what I found. Nathan knows he isn't allowed to be out of bed, apparently he thinks it is ok to take toys to bed, but he got too tired before he was able to clean up the evidence :)

Notice the duplos above his right arm, there were also tons under the covers! Silly boy!

Decorating

I am so behind on my blogging. We put up our Christmas tree about two weeks ago. I always let the kids do the decorating and they have so much fun with this, they do a great job too! It is so sweet to watch! Lana and Nathan were both excited to pull out all of the ornaments and decorations

Actually standing still for a moment

So sweet

and the finishing touch. . . Lana got to put the topper on this year!