Christmas Eve 2012

My in-laws always do a fabulous job of creating magical moments around Christmas.  This year we played games, made frames, played with play-dough the girls made for Nate and Rissa, opened gifts, and then topped off the night by releasing lanterns!  It was an awesome evening!

Snow Fun...kinda

We were able to meet up with some friends and take in the "fake snow" experience that my little South Texans have learned to love. 

Bethelehem

One of the local Methodist Churches put on a "Walk Through Bethlehem".  It was an amazing event.  As we walked up there were animals to pet (including camels!)...

 

The kids met all 2 wise men and got to smell/see gold (and eat chocolate covered coins), frankincense and myrrh!

Then we went into the (amazing) market place where they were able to see, touch, feel, and taste different Bethlehem experiences such as:

                                                          Sweet treats,                                                      making paper,

                                                            buying food                                           baking bread

                                                      grinding wheat                                         making flour

                                                                                                 carving wood

and seeing 'Baby Jesus

It was a fantastic experience for all of us and hopefully a new tradition for our family!

 

You know it was a busy and exciting day when it ends like this:

Gingy Fiesta 2012

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is the Gingerbread House Building that our dear friends, the Sykes put on every year.  Nothing beats tons of kids and tons of candy!!!!

It was amazing, as always!  Thanks Sykes!

Singing at Church

A couple quick pictures from their big church debut this year, singing "Jump for Joy".