Christmas Week

The week of Christmas is always so busy and so fun!  This year was no different.  The girls didn't believe me that it was almost Christmas because there was still no snow on the ground but they had made a few countdown chains that were pretty small so they trusted the paper chains telling them it was almost Christmas more than their mom.

The Sunday before Christmas is always a fun one.  I like getting my family all dressed up and attempting to get a good family picture.  This year was better than some of our other attempts so we will call it a success. Although the picture with just the girls was a disaster so we decided to try again later.

We went to church with my parents and then hung out at their house for the rest of the day.  We had a little more success with the girls' picture there, but not much.

The night of the 23rd we slept up at my parent's cabin so we could play up there all day on Christmas Eve,  I always love being up there with my whole family!  It is so much fun.

We have a tradition where we sit in a circle and tell the person next to us why we love them.  As we tell them we light a candle that they are holding.  This was the first year that Emma and Katelyn participated.  Emma sat next to me and was just the sweetest thing ever.  She kept saying things like "I just really really love mom because she works so hard." "if I could do all of the chores in the whole house for her I would, because I just really really love her." It was one of the best things about being a mom.  Katelyn sat next to Todd and she said, "I love Dad because he is funny, and he gives me things that I like." She is such a funny girl.

On Christmas Eve the girls were thrilled that they were finally going to get a chance to play in the snow.  It wasn't very cold so they lasted a lot longer than I thought they were going to.  Todd had to work in the morning so he missed out on the fun.

Miley was pretty sad to have to stay inside.

For lunch we had our traditional fondue.  It was so delicious!

Don't ask what Emma is doing.

After we finished we took the girls to see a movie.  We saw Big Hero 6.  Emma and Katelyn really enjoyed it and Miley lasted about 10 minutes before she was trying to run around and I finally had to go buy her some popcorn just to distract her for a little while.  The rest of my family went to see Unbroken.

After the movie, we went home and had dinner, baths and got ready for Santa! ( I am still sad about the fingerprint on my camera lens, making all of our Christmas pictures blurry.)

Of course the girls all got new nightgowns, because why would we sleep in anything else?

All three girls fell asleep in about two seconds because they were so worn out from the last few days of partying. We were grateful for that because it made for a much happier Christmas Day!

Nelson Family Christmas Party

We had the Nelson Family Christmas party the Saturday before Christmas.  It was crazy and fun as usual.  We celebrated the December birthdays, had a delicious dinner, and acted out the nativity.

Todd is clearly thrilled about being sung to.  He says he was intimidated by the 3 foot chocolate Santa.

almost every that was at the party.  I don;t this the people sitting along the walls made it into the picture.

Grandfather giving us a Christmas message

Emma and Katelyn loving on each other as they make their grand debut as angels.

Todd was also really excited to be part of the "wise men chorus"

 Miley just really loves Papa

It was such a fun night.  It is one that I look forward to all year!

Gam and Papa are in town!

My mom and dad came into town for my Grandpa's funeral and also for Tally and Abby to be sealed.  Luckily that meant they were here for Christmas as well. We try the cram as much fun in as possible while they were here.

One night, the girls all had a cookie exchange and "tea party." Emma and Katelyn had been looking forward to this for weeks after my mom mentioned it one time when we were FaceTiming with her.  It was a lot of fun!

We also went out to eat a few times, which I only mention because I have to post this cutest picture of Emma and my Dad!

We also spent a lot of time just hanging out at their house.  Miley liked to follow Graham around and Emma and Katelyn were always dressing up and having dance parties.  They even got to sleep over with my parents one night!  Emma was a little bummed because it was only for one night and not for three.  I guess she likes them more than me!

It was just so great having them home for the holidays!  I love any time I get to spend with my family but it is really awesome when we get to all be together!

Grandpa Ringwood

My Grandpa Ringwood passed away on December 17th after a very short battle with brain cancer.  It was pretty quick but we are all happy that he didn't have to suffer for very long.  I was grateful to be able to visit him a few times in the hospital and tell him how much I loved him.  He was such an amazing Grandpa and I will miss him so much!

We had his funeral on December 23rd.  It was such an uplifting service.  I am so grateful to have had him and his amazing example in my life.  I am grateful for everything that he has done for my family and for me. We love you Grandpa!