Merry Christmas!

Well, here it is almost New Year's and I am finally writing about Christmas! We had so much fun! The kids are at such fantastic ages when it comes to this time of year. They were really excited about Santa and Rudolph and, especially, Jesus' birthday! Scott and I do a good job of teaching them about Jesus, but I must say that Mars Hill's Kids Ministry team does such an amazing job! I am thoroughly impressed with their work. Olivia and Ethan come home every week singing a new song and retelling Bible stories. Then Scott and I can reiterate what they have learned at home and introduce more songs and stories.

So this year we had an early Christmas party when Angie was here in November for the Nave family (Scott's mom's side). Earlier this month we got together with Scott's dad and sisters, Mary and her daughter Christina and Marianne. On Christmas Eve morning we took care of Marianne while her mom was working and Mary and Mike were at a doctor's appointment. Then we headed to the Laug family Christmas party at Uncle Bill and Aunt Nita's. It's always so nice to see everyone and catch up. Olivia and Ethan liked playing with their cousins, especially Ella (18 months). Notice Olivia's new "friend" - GIANT Barbie.

On Christmas Eve night the kids put out food for Santa and the reindeer. Olivia dictated a note that we left for him also, as she does every year. They also put hay in the front yard for the reindeer and reindeer dust to help them find their way.








Christmas morning the kids were up bright and early as usual and jumped out of bed to see what Santa had brought! We had a wonderful morning opening presents and playing with their new toys before heading off to Papa and Grammy's house. Ethan got new trucks, a digital camera, and books. Olivia got Barbies, books, and a trip to Build a Bear.











At my dad's house we enjoyed a delicious meal and had a great time with everyone. I especially like playing air hockey with Kaitlyn who we don't get to see very often. I got to play Santa's helper with my brother Scott and pass out gifts (in case you were wondering why I am wearing a Santa's hat).

Christmas night Nana came over and the kids loved her gifts. We also Skyped with Gigi on the computer and the kids loved her gifts too! Nana gave Ethan a Cars camping set that included a tent and Olivia received a doll that she saw on tv and just had to have - it goes potty, no. 1 and 2. Gigi gave Ethan a Mickey train set and Olivia a guitar. The guitar was quickly fought over. It was a long, fun day filled with warm memories.

A couple of days after Christmas we went to Rivertown so the kids could pick something out with the money they received from Great Grandpa Nave and so Olivia could go to Build a Bear. Ethan found a guitar and microphone - yay, no more fighting over the Cheetah Girls guitar - and Olivia chose Hello Kitty at Build a Bear. She actually chose all Hello Kitty clothes also (dress, slippers, bows). When we got home she said ever so sadly she should have gotten her (Hello Kitty) a purse too.