Christmas in January

Ok, this post is out of order chronologically, but that tends to happen when one doesn't keep up with blogging. But I want to add this in so my family can view the photos.

My extended family celebrates Christmas in January due to work scheduling for my long-distance traveling brother and his family. It actually works out wonderfully since December can be overwhelming with so many different commitments. So, we do Christmas in January!

This year, my mom wanted the grandchildren to act out the nativity story. Lissa played the part of Mary, reading a fictional (but hopefully pretty accurate) story depicting Mary's perspective of Christmas. 

The angel led the shepherds to the manger birth, although we are missing a shepherd in this photo.

Then we had our Magi from the east. Next year we hope to add Ella to the cast!!

A nice photo of Grandma and Grandpa with Ella.

And then they get photo-bombed!

This was the year of the frozen treats! It was unplanned, but Aunt Mary and Uncle Jeff found an ice cream maker for the girls, and then Uncle Michael and Aunt Hannah gave each of the kids a slushie maker. We have had so much fun. Most mornings at our house now begin with a healthy slush made of fruit juice!

Eli got a new game -- Share-a-Berry. It is a lot of fun and teaches early addition and subtraction and SHARING. I don't know which is more difficult to teach.

Emily stringing her berries!

 

 

We had a gingerbread decorating "contest." Each family had a pre-assembled gingerbread house to load with icing and candy. No prizes awarded -- just bragging rights. Grandpa judged the contest and each house won a different category! Score! Everyone goes home a winner!

Ok, this toy is a lot of fun! It's a soccer ball that glides on the floor! Perfect for kicking around the house!

Sweet Ella! Look at those pretty blue eyes! Next time we see her she'll be mobile!!

Our Christmas celebration was so much fun, although we missed my oldest brother who couldn't make the trip home. The food was abundant and soooooo delicious! The company was fun, but the time was too short!