We took the first weekend in December to find the perfect tree. This year we ventured up to Greeley, Colorado to the Fern Hill Christmas Tree Farm.
The kids loved the hay ride to select our tree, they also helped themselves to hot chocolate and cookies in the gift shop.
We spent the next day decorating the tree. The kids had a great time pulling out all the ornaments and Ella was excited to place the star on the tree.
Ella and Eric both took part in this years Christmas program at our church. Eric was chosen to play the handbells and he was so excited to play for everyone.
He did a great job; however, occasionally took time from the performance to keep the other kids in line. He tried to tell one little girl to get back in her spot and back up on stage, after she had sat down in front.
He really enjoyed being on stage.
Ella took part in the musical, "Rockin' Royal Christmas." She also enjoyed being on stage and it showed. The almost two hour performance and her solo were performed beautifully. Unfortunately, we didn't have the best seats to video the performance.
We were disappointed that we couldn't make Cousin Seth's Holiday performance at his school, but were so happy he took time out of his evening after his concert to come see Ella perform. We are so blessed that the kids and our families are so supportive of each other.
Ella and Eric visited Santa Claus the following weekend and while they had no problem sitting on Santa's lap, we were surprised to hear that Santa would tell them they would certainly be receiving their requested gifts for Christmas. Eric asked for a Polar Expess Train and Ella asked for a rock tumbler.
Ella celebrated her 7th birthday with friends and family at our local gym. She had been waiting for months to have her rock climbing party and couldn't wait to celebrate. We had invited 10 of her friends; however, between holiday happenings and kids getting sick the magic number was 7. Eric was quite bummed that he couldn't climb (kids had to be 5 to climb), so he decided to stay out of the climbing pic when asked to take this picture.
The kids had a great time climbing for the first hour and spent the next hour partying!
They all enjoyed the pizza and visiting with each other.
Ella blew out her candles so fast, I barely was able to get this shot.
All the kids had fun pulling off the fondant climbing holds on the cake and popping them into their mouths. Yes, Ella had a climbing cake to top off the theme to her party. The cake was complete with climbing girl and all.
It wasn't long, before we were celebrating Ken's 35th birthday next. Eric and I were able to make a small birthday cake, while Ken had taken Ella to horseback riding the day before. We managed to keep it a surprise, until the morning of Ken's birthday. Eric announced to Ken, "I won't tell you about your surprise birthday cake!""
We had a small family party and spent the rest of the evening curled up on the sofa for popcorn and a movie, "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas".
We decided to enjoy the Candlelight Christmas Eve service at our local Methodist Church and were happy to have Maria's parents, Sister, and Nephew join us.
We followed up Christmas Eve Service with a wonderful Fondue dinner and cookie decorating with Mimi and Pa.
The kids opened their Christmas Eve Gift (Christmas P.J.'s).
It was so nice to be able to spend the evening with Mimi and Pa.
We wrapped up the night with "The Night Before Christmas."
Cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.
Christmas morning the kids were so excited to receive their most treasured gifts.
Ella with her Rock Tumbler.
Eric with his Polar Express Train.
Within 2 days he had worn out all the batteries!
Christmas dinner was spent with all the family at Mimi and Pa's House. The boys had fun playing together with Eric's new race car set.
and Ella spent much of the evening putting together her Lego Camper with Mimi.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
December is always the busiest month of the year for us. Birthday's, Holiday Happenings, and Christmas can make for a crazy time. Especially during the holidays, we can't help but feel the blessings that have been given.
