I love Christmastime!

Last night, we went as a family to the River of Lights.  It's basically the botanical gardens, but all lit up.  It was really impressive, and we couldn't believe that in our five years here, we have never been. We will definitely make it an annual tradition.  Here is our little family, minus Jane, who was sleeping peacefully all bundled up in the stroller.

 The kids made graham cracker candy houses, as soon as we got back from our Thanksgiving vacation, to kick off the Christmas season.  They look forward to it every year and so do I.

In addition to our regular advent calendar, I am doing a new Christmas book advent this year, where the kids get to unwrap a Christmas book every morning to read.  These are mostly books that we already own, but I will add a few new books to our collection every year.  This year we added:



and

The kids especially love How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss, and The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.  Natalie loves Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, by Jane O'Connor.

I hosted a fun ladies' craft night with some friends and we made these pretty nativity boards.

I just love this time of year!  It's so magical.  We are looking forward to going on the Polar Express and to spending Christmas in Park City with Rob's family.  I look forward to seeing my family too while we're there.