Our Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Grandma Ziegler came to be with us and the girls were thrilled. They were at Grandma's side the whole time she was here. Christmas Eve started with us making Gingerbread Houses. I had no idea how to make them but luckily I married a man who is an expert. When I asked him if he had done it before, he replied simply, "Honey, I have made Gingerbread castles." Little did I know this about my husband. Then we had our fancy candlelit dinner of chicken cordon bleu (made from scratch). The company was delightful! Grandma got the girls all dressed up in some of their fancy Christmas dresses and did their hair. They were very excited for their dinner. Then we told the story of the Nativity with pictures and acting it out with the nativity figurines. Maybe next year we will take on acting it out ourselves! Finally each girls got to pick one present and open it just to make sure they are ready for the morning. The next morning, Mackinsie crawled in bed with us at about 7:30 while I was feeding Kirstin. I think her 2 year old brain forgot that it was Christmas. However, at 8:00 LeOra was up and she came running into our room yelling "Let's go wake up Grandma and see what Santa brought us." She did not forget. Then it was on to the present opening extravaganza. This was the first year that the girls just tore into their presents with out a prompt or help or asking. It was fun to see the excitement. LeOra got the Barbie Diamond castle doll and princess polly pockets with a prince that she asked Santa for. She also got some clothes and other fun toys. Mackinsie's favorite present by far is the make-up bag full of lip gloss from her cousin Ethan. (I think DeAnne had more to do with it.) In case you don't know, my little 2 year old LOVES lip gloss to say the least. She has had a nice thick layer of gloss and that bag in her hand since she opened it yesterday. Kirstin was more interested in the curly ribbon on her presents than the presents themselves. I think her sister's helped her unwrap while she played with the bows. Remind me again why we buy toys for babies and don't just give them the bows and boxes. After playing with our toys and taking a nap we were off to the Mankins house to play with their new toys. Luckily they got Rock Band and I am hooked. I am going to be really good this year so that Santa will bring that to me next year. It is so fun! RJ even got into it. That was our fun filled Christmas holiday. We loved spending time with family. Most of all, I love Christmas Eve when we retell that special story of the Nativity next to our brightly lit Christmas tree. I am grateful for the birth of our Savior, the example and teachings He gave us during His mortal ministry and His death, which provided for us a way to be with Him together again. Merry Christmas to all of you!