Christmas at the Chapel

Christmas afternoon we spent at the chapel with a bunch of friends that didn't have plans on Christmas Day, so we all put together a lovely Christmas Dinner! And it was so good!! I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I was holding a messy little sick darling on my lap... 

Doreen holding the said sick adorable. 

Winnifred, Amir and Mrs. Crawford. ;) 

Matching Elves! Love the fun they put into the event. Maureen decorated the place for us. :) 

And made this adorable snowman cake!

After dinner, Greg and Steph headed up a couple games. 

Bringing out dessert. 

And we sang together at the end!

Cleanup was quick, thanks to many hands, and after we unloaded stuff at home, and packed up the van - we headed to Michigan to spend a couple days with Mark and Jennelle - for Christmas and Mark's birthday. :) 

Christmas at Home

This Christmas we celebrated together as a family on Christmas Eve - as the Sunday was going to be full with church, and Christmas dinner at the chapel. Christmas Eve was rather low key, and the kids couldn't wait for evening to come... but first snacks. :) 

Then James lit the candles in our fireplace, and read Luke 2 while the kids ate cinnamon buns I actually made :) that afternoon. That sounds so perfect doesn't it? It's funny, cause I just remember how crazy it was that it happened! :) 

The glass wasn't hot so she could really enjoy the flames. :) 

Then our gift time started - and Katelyn wanted to first give us all a "family" book - with some photos I gave to her - and she scrapbooked them for us. :) So sweet. 

And as it was Leanne's first Christmas, she got to "unwrap" her only Christmas gift... :) 

Cute bug... a little book for her. 

Her own baby doll!

I gave James the game of "Scotland Yard" - something I played growing up, anytime that my eldest brother James let us use his special game. We loved that one, and now it'time for my James and I to battle it out all over London. :)

Laura got a bunch of Polly Pockets - some toys that friends of ours passed down after they were finished. It was awesome! I try to keep most of the gifts, either smaller or second hand for the most part.... the new stuff will come soon enough. :) 

Katelyn did receive her first full Bible. :) 

And some dear neighbors gave us a bunch of treasures that the girls are holding up. :) 

Opening up a package from Auntie Anne-Marie. :) So thoughtful. 

Full of candy and other treats. :) 

We had a nice time together.

The next day after our service, Shantel gave us a big box which the kids opened at home. 

Digging right in, they found a whole bunch of small boxes inside!

Each had their own - and inside was their own TY stuffie. :) 

They were excited - such a sweet gift from Shantel! 

Decorating for Christmas

Not sure why, but we decorated just before December - for some reason, it was time.... 

The helpers. :)

 All cozy now. :)