Our Christmas

The weekend before Christmas is traditionally when we celebrate our little family Christmas. It's a fun blend of traditions, and this year it was extra special because it started with Issa's school program yesterday.

We were assigned the fruit tray, and I assembled this:
Her school is very big on the no sugar, all reusable containers thing, so I thought I was golden. I may have over-done. The cookie mom brought two bags of Oreos and ripped the top open. Everything else was still in the store's disposable containers, so our fruit tray was a bit over the top. Issa was thrilled, and that's all that matters.

Look at our little angel ready to sing:

They sang "Jingle Bells" and then played jingle bells to another song--very cute. The whole thing lasted about five minutes. Then we ate the fruit tray and Oreos and said goodbye for two weeks. Sweet vacation. There will be no lunch packing negotiations, and life is good.

Last night, we kept Daddy's Christmas Eve tradition: summer sausage, cheeses, and fruit. We decided to add Christmas biscuits:

We used every cookie cutter! They were very festive. The meal:

This morning, the kids were thrilled by an early visit from Santa. He left a note reminding them he was coming to Nana and Papa's house, but the reindeer needed some practice landing and since they had been so good he chose their house. The stockings were filled and treats were left for all the fuzzy pets:

Somehow Santa knew both kids wanted a mini pillow pet to match their big ones. Their was much rejoicing.

Then the kids opened their gift from Mom and Dad--Trunkies and a trip to Great Wolf!

If anyone is looking for a great suitcase for kids, a Trunki is absolutely the way to go. It's part suitcase, part ride on, and all fun. The kids had a blast playing with them all day.

For lunch, we made my traditional Christmas Eve meal, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn (plus left over biscuits):

The rest of the day was spent in pajamas, playing and being together. Being entertained by the cat:

Having tea parties with Daddy:

Enjoying Christmas movies, music, and fireplaces. It was wonderful. A very, very merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night...