The most wonderful time of the year!

Kyler loved his Joy School nativity program. I think he may have been the super singer, leading the group.

Sometimes we realize there are many life experiences we accidentally forget to give to children #3 and #4. We have done them a couple times with the older two, so we don't realize the younger two have never done them. And, sitting on Santa's lap is one of those! Grandma waited in the hour-long line so we could have a visit with the Man in Red. Kyler and Teyah LOVED it! I'm so glad we took the time -- and even more grateful to Grandma for doing all the work!

With our nutty Nutcracker December, no cookies had been made at our house. As soon as it was over, Grandma made sure our cookie Christmas was saved!

Years ago, I instituted a self-indulgent tradition that we give our kids Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. I don't think the kids appreciate it, but I think it makes for awesome pictures. If you look closely, we had Santa, two elves and reindeer pj's!

 

We all worked on this terribly difficult puzzle all December. But we accomplished it!

I love the literal fashion sense of a 4-year-old! There is nothing better!

The kids planned and carried out our family Christmas Eve program. It was pretty typical to the plays these kids incessantly plan and perform.

I love when these kids love each other and play well! I'm actually quite lucky because they usually really play well together.

Ellie had a special Christmas because our kids have begged for a pet for years. We always said no, but Santa didn't listen and brought Ellie a fish, she named Sparkles. Sadly, the Beta fish lived only a week. We replaced it, however, and the new one, she named Aquamarine (or Aki for short) is faring much better.

Kyler's dream came true by receiving TWO light sabers! I didn't expect to have a son who is so into weapons -- this has completely come from him. But, it's fun to see how totally different boys are from girls and to have different things to shop for!

We love our little elf Teyah! She is the biggest sweetheart and this outfit fits her so well!

Grandma always comes through with the best gifts! This is their reaction when they went downstairs and saw this...

An indoor trampoline is the perfect gift for our looooooooong winters. Clearly, Grandma is definitely the Christmas hero -- well, of course, other than the hero Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season.