I just might win the award for “The Latest Christmas Posts Ever” but that’s okay. I am determined to blog about the holidays, and don’t we all need a little bit of cheer during the dreary month of January?? I think so. Let’s extend it as long as we can, I say. Because I’m still going to post some stuff going as far back as…..gasp…..Halloween! Maybe I’ll call them “flashbacks” and they will be cool. 
Christmas Eve. We had a delicious dinner at my parents’ cozy house and enjoyed hanging out and relaxing as a family. The kids were happy and excited that it was finally Christmas Eve.
Annie was practically inhaling my grandma’s famous caramel popcorn–the girl is a foodie.
Brandon and Annie got their own little table, decorated just like the adult table–Christmas china and everything.
Even Haylie could feel the excitement in the air! Her first Christmas.After dinner we did a little reading of Luke 2 with local actors portraying the main characters of Mary and Joseph—aka Annie and Brandon.
Brandon took the role of Joseph seriously. I think he looks like the Joseph of Egypt when he worked for the Pharoah. He took off his glasses because he said “Joseph didn’t wear glasses.”
Annie was so darling and sweet as Mary, lovingly cuddling the baby Jesus. I remember when I was little, I was so excited when it was my turn to be Mary during the big cousins nativity at my grandparents’ house. But there were many older girl cousins, so I had to wait my turn year to year. I usually played the part of a slightly orphanly angel along with Julie, Kirsten and Heather.
But I digress. Grandpa Russ read the scripture passages from the special huge Holy Bible as accompaniment to the sweet Joseph and Mary. It was so great to celebrate the true meaning of this special holiday–the birth of our Savior–as a family.
This particular Joseph and Mary may have had a little argument during our version of the nativity. But really, I bet that happened at least once with the real Mary and Joseph. I mean, the poor woman was pregnant and riding on a donkey. It would’ve been fine if she was a little tiny bit grumpy and short with Joseph, maybe. But all was well. Two of the cutest little “actors” around!
Haylie gave the performance “two arms up!”
He took off his glasses because he said “Joseph didn’t wear glasses.”
Annie was so darling and sweet as Mary, lovingly cuddling the baby Jesus. I remember when I was little, I was so excited when it was my turn to be Mary during the big cousins nativity at my grandparents’ house. But there were many older girl cousins, so I had to wait my turn year to year. I usually played the part of a slightly orphanly angel along with Julie, Kirsten and Heather.
But I digress. Grandpa Russ read the scripture passages from the special huge Holy Bible as accompaniment to the sweet Joseph and Mary. It was so great to celebrate the true meaning of this special holiday–the birth of our Savior–as a family.
This particular Joseph and Mary may have had a little argument during our version of the nativity. But really, I bet that happened at least once with the real Mary and Joseph. I mean, the poor woman was pregnant and riding on a donkey. It would’ve been fine if she was a little tiny bit grumpy and short with Joseph, maybe. But all was well. Two of the cutest little “actors” around!
Haylie gave the performance “two arms up!”Next came the presents.
Nerdy Ty and Cute Lisa.
Lots of fun stuff. Everyone was so generous.
Annie was Haylie’s present-opening helper, because Haylie wasn’t quite sure what she was supposed to do.
Brandon got a small guitar from Grandma and Grandpa, so here is Grandpa showing him how it’s done!
Nerdy Ty and Cute Lisa. 
Lots of fun stuff. Everyone was so generous.
Annie was Haylie’s present-opening helper, because Haylie wasn’t quite sure what she was supposed to do.
Brandon got a small guitar from Grandma and Grandpa, so here is Grandpa showing him how it’s done!We’ll let you know when Brandon’s first album is released.
Oh, sisterly love in matching jammies! I love the tradition of matching Christmas jammies. So snuggly.
Oh, sisterly love in matching jammies! I love the tradition of matching Christmas jammies. So snuggly.Before we went home to wait for Santa’s visit, we took pictures by the tree. . . .
and with Grandma Yoo-Hoo.
Although we missed my brothers Ben and Ryan who are in California and Mongolia, respectively, it was wonderful to be together with my family and feel of the Spirit of Christmas. We are lucky to have our families. FAMILY is our greatest gift, along with the gospel and Jesus Christ. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
and with Grandma Yoo-Hoo.
Although we missed my brothers Ben and Ryan who are in California and Mongolia, respectively, it was wonderful to be together with my family and feel of the Spirit of Christmas. We are lucky to have our families. FAMILY is our greatest gift, along with the gospel and Jesus Christ. I couldn’t ask for anything more.I’ve loved going back and looking at all the pictures from December. I think it was just the lift I needed on this cold, snowy January day.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I am sorry to disappoint you, but you will not be getting the latest holiday posting award. That goes to me. I have not posted Christmas anything or the trip to the ER photos that my sister insits I post. I hope you are doing well and get through that lack of creativity. Welcome to my world is all I can say.
I haven’t posted about Christmas either, so nope, no prize for that. Your kids may get a prize for being they cutest little Mary and Joseph though!
Thanks for the lift- you do have some of the cutest kids I’ve ever seen! And I’m with Annie- inhaling is the ONLY way to eat your grandma’s famous popcorn.
I love “serious Joseph” and the girls’ matching Christmas jammies. So fun to read about your holiday…can’t wait to flashback to Halloween.
It was fun seeing you guys again today. Halle is already planning the next one.
No, I think I will get the latest post award…haven’t done it yet!! I need to work on that right this minute! Cute post you little naughty! Can’t wait to bust out our little goodies
Oh my goodness! Those kids are way too cute. I love how Brandon took his glasses off because Joseph didn’t have glasses, how Annie was so cute kissing little Haylie, and how Haylie’s socks were nearing the floor when she was in her high chair and then one just gave in and came off when she was in Grandpa Russ’ lap. Too cute!
And your mom and dad are too cute with the nativity and nicely decorated “kid” table!! And Grandma yoo hoo is darling with each little one. Looks like a great Christmas Eve.
Fun, fun, fun. The kids were adorable in their Mary and Joseph outfits – I need to take up that tradition but I think I may have missed the boat already…I can just imagine the attitude Michael would give me if I tried to dress him up now. And…I JUST posted Christmas too 😉
Yes, I am glad I am not the only one who posts about Christmas in January! Your pictures are so fun! Looks like you had a great time with the family over the holidays!
I am glad you didn’t skip it. I can’t wait for more flashbacks!
I know this is an old post,but sooo darling!! That is just like the Christmases we had growing up
We always did the Nativity play and my dad read the Christmas story from the bible. I hope you have a really fantastic day!!! huge hugs!!
Britt