Christmas

On Christmas Eve, my side of the family (in Utah) watches Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. We didn't keep that tradition this year in Oklahoma, but I missed seeing my dad belt out "We're despicable. . ." Luckily, we were invited over by some friends and we had a great time. We ate Chinese food, which was so good even Taylor liked it, and the kids [kind of] acted out the Christmas story.

Christmas was fun, Taylor's dad and his friend, Donna, came over along with Lacie, Tyler, Haylee and Josh. We had game hens for dinner--each person got their own. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures of Christmas after the inital morning present opening. I need to be better at that!

Also this week, Taylor and I took the kids to Bounce U. It's an indoor inflatable playland. They had a great time and it was nice to go on an outing as a family.

Sadly, our plans to go to Texas and visit with some old friends fell through, as their kids were sick.

Taylor's first real Christmas toy assembly project. He said he felt like a "real dad."

Mary and Joseph. Sorry, Mary. He's not old enough to date :)

The manger scene. Owen, Brayden, Maddie, Andrew, and baby Miles.
Kylee was an angel, but didn't seem all that interested in participating.

Christmas Morning.

I guess Taylor's assembly project was worth it because the kitchen is a hit.

Both kids got sleeping bags. Kyleee isn't quite sure what to do once she is in it. Maybe this will be a way to keep her contained while I do things around the house. . .

Great Grandma and Grandpa Faber sent Brayden a gift card to Toys R Us. I told him he could pick ANY toy he wanted. Well, I learned my lesson. He chose Moon Sand. Now, don't get me wrong, he LOVES it. He was so very happy to have it. After one Moon Sand session, however, it has been banned to the outdoors. Yes, my kids went outside to play with their play dough and Moon Sand. And yes, I know it's December.

Luckily, Brayden also got some really great books with his gift card. Those I love to have inside.

Bounce U! This is the best value for us because parents and kids under two are free. We bounced for an hour and 15 minutes for $7.00. Wahooo!

Kylee was particularly happy that Dad came to bounce with us.
These two are peas in a pod.

I was so proud of Brayden! He conquered his fear of the huge slide and gave it a try. OK, there was a little (read: a LOT) of help (read: near force) from Taylor the first time. But, after the initial ride, Brayden went several times by himself. Go Brayden!

Kylee also got the chance to be Dad's slide partner. It's good to have kids because you can do the kid stuff that you would just look crazy doing as an adult. But you can use the excuse "I'm doing this for my kids" and play like a toddler.

Happily, our kids got some fun books for Christmas. We love having new, colorful and exciting reading material. Books are a hit at our house.