Ari's First trip to the Movie Theater

For Christmas the kids all were given movie passes and a bucket of popcorn from their Aunt. It was the most anticipated gift of the day. She had dropped it off early and it was one of the only presents that sat under the tree.

Christmas morning came and after opening it the older two were even more excited! Ari had no clue other than there were M&Ms and we told him popcorn. We decided to take them on Saturday. Ari was his usual tantrum self several times while there, but he had a blast. We went to see Big Hero 6. I showed him a clip of it before so he understood. In the car he told Eli, "It's about  1 big white robot. Not 2, 3, 4, 8 green, red, blue robots, only ONE white robot Eli!"

Needless to say it was wonderful. It may be a new favorite movie of mine. All of the kids loved it.

Holiday Season

I spent much of December sewing and dealing with "life" projects. It was an interesting December for us. I did not want to be stressed. I usually do a lot of things with the kids. Unfortunately we started with some things that basically got us out of the habit. We did focus a lot on Advent this year instead. I read a wonderful Advent book for myself and we really focused on what Christmas means to us. It was a good quiet year for that. The kids also really focused on Advent with our calender. They are still asking that we read the next box 4 days after Christmas. 

We of course begin the season with decorating. 

This of course meant children touching all the time. Finally I let them have one night of touching hoping it would stop the need. It did help.

We spent many days playing board games and I spent many meals eating grapefruit. Who doesn't love December when all the citrus is in season?!?

While the kids enjoyed their advent calendar, they also really got into the Santa thing. We have not really emphasized Santa as much as Jesus, but they have made up their own things and really get into it. This year once again we visited the wonderful couple that does Santa and Mrs. Clause. They really are the best!!

We have never been to a Christmas Eve church service. Usually Anthony is working, or we are visiting family. This year we had no family in town and Anthony was home early. We went to the Christmas Eve service and it was beautiful. It was the perfect thing to begin our Christmas Eve celebrations with the kids. They loved the candlelight part. It probably was my favorite service all year. 

We came home and enjoyed a quick meal. Then the annual gifts of pjs and books were opened. I have to say this has been the best year so far for the children's excitement. It is pure magic watching their eyes and listening to them talk about Christmas. I think it is more fun than being a child. 

Christmas morning they woke up actually later than they normally do. I was fine with that. It meant some nice light for pictures towards the end of opening.....

We had a wonderful and blessed Christmas. I loved watching the magic come alive for my children. It made my heart melt. Many moments Christmas Eve and Christmas when I was homesick for my family and wanted to cry, their joy brought me smiles. They really made it magical.