Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Christmas Eve

After we came home from our mini trip downtown, we had so many things to do for Christmas Eve! We baked Santa's cookies and made Jesus a birthday cake. We had to be at church by 6 o clock! The day wasn't as rushed as I thought it would be. I even got a little nap in there somehow! I had planned very well and had gotten things done before we left.
Cassidy helping with the sprinkles on the cake:

 Cassidy decided on gingerbread cookies for Santa. Jaden didn't want to help this year! Although, he ate some of the dough!
 At church:
 Blowing out the candle:
 Christmas Eve picture before opening the first present:
 First present!
 Cassidy loved her doll.
 Santa's letters:
 Santa's cookies and milk. (Jaden made chocolate milk this year!)

Monday, January 3, 2011

Christmas Eve Eve!

I decided this year I wanted to make a new Christmas tradition. I want the kids to understand that Christmas is also a time to spend with family. As they get older, I want them to understand the importance of getting and being together. So, I reserved a room at the Omni Hotel downtown. It was beautiful. Unfortunately, Cassidy ended up feeling sick and throwing up once. But, after that, she was feeling much better! We started off the night by taking them to the hotel and surprising them. They had no idea! We let them know our plans for the evening. We check out our room and then went to the mall. I loved that the hotel was connected to the mall. We didn't have to go outside nearly as much! We ate at the Spaghetti Factory and checked out the Christmas lights downtown! We told the kids we could go on a carriage ride, but they didn't want to. So, we headed back to the hotel and went swimming! That was their favorite part! We went to sleep after milk and cookies. I hope we can do this every year before Christmas. It was such an awesome evening!