Oh the wonder of it all...

There is nothing better for me than spending Christmas with my family. If I could bottle up the delight I see in the words and actions of my children I would. Oh, to see life through the eyes of a child; that is what I love most about Chrismas.

Our Christmas eve began with Leila wrapping some of her books and toys for family members and others who needed Christmas presents. She was really into it, cutting, taping and wrapping. When I asked her who she was planning to give the presents to, she said, "kids that need gifts." How will we know who needs gifts? "We'll go door to door and ask them." I love it. So simple yet, perfect. Of course we didn't go door to door, but she had some great games and gifts to hand out to her family members that she had wrapped. (a little paper here and there to cover the gift) She was so proud of herself

Leila and Holden were so excited about going to church for the Chrismas eve service. We attended the early service where the kids got to be a part of the program. It's been so fun to see their personal growth and confidence change year to year, as they both went up to the front of the church with excitment and confidence this year. Leila was an angel and Holden one of the wisemen. They got to sit up at the front of the church in their costumes with all the other children while the Christmas Story was told. They were so proud of themselves when they came back to their seats. Now I must digress...a couple of years ago, we explained to Leila about the nativity scene and baby Jesus. She was really "into" her stroller and "strollerfitting around the house" that she would put the "breakable" baby Jesus from the nativity scene in her stroller and run around the house doing StrollerFit with "Baby Jesus." Every Christmas I giggle when I think about that great story.

After church we went to my sister's for dinner and stockings from my parents. :0 Leila and Holden both sang Christmas songs for us and told us what they wanted Santa to bring them. Leila had a long list and Holden's list consisted of most of what big sister said + 50,000 cars.