Merry Christmas. As Promised.

 Last year I made gingerbread from scratch, but because it was so labor-intensive, I made the kids share houses.  This year, I didn't have the wherewithal to make the gingerbread.  So when Sydney pleaded, "Mom?  Can I make my own house this year?"  I said, "You bet", because I had already planned these little graham cracker babies.

 Calvary Lutheran Preschool Christmas Program.

 Miss Maggie and Miss Michelle, two really great teachers.

THEN ....

 same trek as last year to The Grotto.  I think it's the same bunny, too.  Clara went crazy with glee in the petting zoo.

 

We don't have a photo, but the Grotto also has the same puppeteer.  She's been performing Christmas puppet shows for the past 26 years.  She is a genius.  The kids (the Littles and the Bigs) eat it up.

AND THEN ....

 Hilary and Jeff hosted the Family Christmas Dinner, modeled after the Wilson Family Christmas Party (Honey Jo's mom's side).  Complete with White Elephant Gift exchange and Nativity re-enactment.  Miles played Baby Jesus most reverently.

 Leila seems a tad bewildered that she delivered such a large baby and Isaac appears to be stoic and proud as Joseph.  Clara's looking for her cue.  And Sydney is wearing her GK's wedding veil.

 The best part of the play was when Leila took the pillow out from her belly and hucked it behind her to show she had, indeed, Brought Forth.

AND THEN ... CHRISTMAS EVE A LA BRUNO'S ...

 Sleigh Bells before we head back home....  to set up the party for the next day.

CHRISTMAS MORNING:

 There's a present on the wall!!!!

 They don't ask for much at this age.

 From Briton, proving the old adage is true, "Good things come in small packages."