Christmas Preparations and Traditions

The kids helped a lot with decorating the Christmas trees this year.  We decided to put our second one in the breakfast nook, so we could enjoy it more, instead of putting it down in the basement.  Miles seemed to love it too, and snuggled in his bed under the Christmas lights for the duration of the season.  

St. Nick paid us a visit on December 6th, leaving each kid an ornament, book, and some candy in their boots.  

Grandpa and Grandma were supposed to come for our annual cookie baking, but Grandma got sick with covid, so we had to do it alone.  We made Peanut Butter Kisses and Buckeye Balls and the kids helped a lot

We decorated the Christmas tree out at the cabin with Uncle Buster, Aunt Sandy, Paige, and Grandma and Grandpa.  We had dinner out there and enjoyed spending time together making the cabin look beautiful for Christmas.  

On St. Lucia Day, (Dec 13) we met up with the Vadis girls to deliver some treats to a few friends and members from church.  We stopped at Grace Lodge first, with the plan to meet with Grandma Ruby and a few other residents for fellowship and communion, but Grandma Ruby forgot and went out to play cards with some friends!  We still met with the other two ladies from church and Pastor Kari offered them communion.  Simon was hungry so he ended up mowing down all of the extra communion wafers Pastor Kari had in her bag!  

After Grace Lodge, we headed over to Bob Kitzman's house to drop off some goodies.  He has a beautiful Christmas Village all over his living room which was fun for the kids to see.  After our deliveries, we headed to Culver's for a yummy meal and a chance to catch up with our friends.  It was a fun evening!

Olivia and Simon were part of Trinity's Christmas Program this year.  They went to church with me weekly starting in November to learn all the words and actions to their songs, "Away in a Manger" and "Oh, What a Special Night." They both did an absolutely amazing job remembering everything.  Olivia was such a good big sister, looking out for Simon and helping to lead everyone.  Simon was so confident and serious about getting it just right.  In rehearsal, if he was unsure of what was next, he would stop me in front of everyone so he could clarify, making sure he knew all the words and actions perfectly.  I was so proud of them - they did such a good job!!

 

One of our last stops before Christmas was the Lights of the Northwoods at Hodag Park.  It's been a tradition to go with Grandma and Grandpa and for some strange reason, we always seem to pick a day that is absolutely freezing!  We shivered as we walked through the path, but had a great time looking at the beautiful lights!