Leading up to Christmas

We had such a fun Christmas this year. The best part was Bryce came home from Japan. After being gone a week we were all so ready for him to be home and celebrate the holidays. We had a big banner hanging in the entry while the kids planned a little welcome home program with some songs they wanted to sing starting off with "I'm so glad when daddy comes home" changing into the Christmas songs like "Santa Claus is coming to town".

Now with Bryce home we could finish our 12 days of Christmas activities. The kids had saved the best for last. The night before Christmas Eve we had our annual sleepover by the Christmas tree. That was not our best year. Grace wanted to sleep by the tree so bad, but just couldn't she was so distracted. So she ended up in her crib and was so upset. Ben was just so excited that he couldn't fall asleep either. The good thing that came from the sleepover was they were so exhausted on Christmas Eve they fell right asleep.

Christmas Eve we baked and decorated our cookies for Santa and got ready for the Moyes party.

The party is always a lot of fun and my kids were very excited. Ali had planned some fun minute to win it games. Ben loved throwing the marshmallow in the wreath. And Bryce was awesome at the game where you had to pick up the paper bags as they get smaller. (notice the red face) The only person who could beat him was Ali.

Then of course the highlight is when Santa brought their first present a little early.

Rock 'n' Roll Gracie

Then we watched the kids do the nativity play. Abby was trilled to be Mary this year, Grace was excited to be a wiseman who rode a donkey (Bryce) to see baby Jesus, and Ben had another great year of being the star. It was great.

Then we were ready for Christmas!!