My parents and brother got to come visit the week before Christmas! It was so fun to have family here, and we packed the time full of fun Christmas things!
Aside from our outings to the National Christmas Tree and the Holiday Road lights display, we had lots of time for playing games, crafting, reading, coloring, baking, and just having fun together. It looks/sounds like a lot, but it really was relaxing. Turns out, when you have more adults than kids, activities are a little easier to manage :)
Uncle Michael had requested doing some Christmas crafts with the kids, and they were more than excited to do them with him. We decorated ugly/silly Christmas sweaters {thanks Target Dollar Spot!}, made thumbprint string lights, and painted some sun-catcher ornaments.
One of my favorite memories growing up was baking Christmas cookies, so we decided to do that with Grandma, Papa, and Uncle Michael. We prepped the dough the day before, then spent all morning on Saturday decorating and baking. We made sugar cookies {most with sprinkles, a few with icing} and gingerbread cookies.
On Monday, we did our family Christmas, where we exchanged gifts. The kids were excited to open presents from Grandma, Papa, and Uncle Michael, and it left lots of time for playing with their new things. Note to parents just starting out: keep it small and simple when they're little. Really, because it's a win when they are overjoyed just to get character underwear! :)
Helping Papa open his gift
Helping Uncle Michael rip off the wrapping paper
Working together to build his garbage truck Duplo set
We asked forced Papa to play a new game this year...a reindeer ring toss game! Our senior pastor's wife found the silly game at Walmart, bought one for her grandkids and thought my parents would enjoy playing it with them. Perhaps a new family tradition?? Papa was a good sport about it all, and the kids had a BLAST.
We know it's a long way to travel, and being on staff at church makes it difficult for us to travel during the holidays {Mike is preaching at the Christmas Eve service this year}. So we're thankful that my family was willing and able to travel here. We will miss being with Mike's family this year, but will be zooming with them on Christmas day.
So now we're finishing up our advent countdown, preparing for a quiet Christmas at home together. Our hearts are full and thankful and ready to celebrate the coming of our King.
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