More Christmas Fun

Hayden has been into doing projects lately. So, we've been working on a lot of fun things.
First, we had the McMillans over to make hand print wreaths. I think they turned out really cute.

Another day we decorated ice cream cone Christmas trees with the McMillans and Cottrells. We're glad to have such fun friends who are always up for coming over and playing with us :) I love Cole in the background eating his cone. He's not in very many of the pictures, but he's always around playing with the other little ones and usually snacking!

Preschool was at our house this week and the theme was the Nativity story. We made mangers with baby Jesus.

We also made graham cracker houses. The kids were more interested in eating the decorations than in actually decorating. I love that they are all making silly faces in this picture.

At the end of preschool on Thursday we put on the Nativity for the parents. Ryan was even able to come home to see it. With a few part changes, a few refusals to wear costumes, and a few uncooperative children (mainly Hayden), the play went off without a hitch. We ended it by singing Away in a Manger. Hayden was the shepherd, as mentioned, no costume. Sorry the picture isn't great.

We went to our ward party on Saturday and Santa was there. We've never taken the kids to see Santa so I thought it would be fun. We kept telling Hayden we were going to see Santa, and she kept saying that she didn't want to. She hadn't changed her mind by the time we got there, so I had to pick her up and carry her over.

Cole was fine at first but after looking more closely at Santa, he wanted to get away. This picture was snapped right as he was starting to get upset. Maybe we'll have better luck next year. I'm not counting on it.

Ryan's Aunt puts together an annual Christmas booklet. Everyone writes a little bit about their year and then we all get a copy after it's compiled.
Here's what I wrote for this year:

Cole- (16 months) Busy! Loves to run, climb, twirl, dance, anything active. Says a few real words, but jabbers a lot. Balls are his favorite! Copies his sister. Eats almost anything. Great smile. Usually very happy and playful.
Hayden- (3 years) Also, busy! Loves to dance and sing. Chatty Cathy. Enjoyed first year of swim lessons. Preschool twice a week and loving it. Attitude! Playing dress up and playing with barbies, ponies and strawberry shortcake. Always wants to be working on a project. Great stories and laughs!
Carli- Chasing kids. Homemaker. Food and preschool blogs. Baking. Teaching in Hayden's co-op preschool. Laurel advisor. Planning kid friendly projects. Get togethers with friends. Reading.
Ryan- Working. Three months worth of trips to China. Ward clerk. Finishing first year of Master's degree at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Playing Wii and guitar.

We are so blessed! We're thankful for this holiday season and the added reminders of our loving Heavenly Father and the gift of His son Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Love,
Ryan, Carli, Hayden and Cole