Saturday, January 2, 2010

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning

Here are a few last pictures of 2009. We started a new tradition this year. Several local churches came together to throw a huge Christmas party for the city. It was called "Christmas for the City". This was only the 2nd year of the event. For some reason we did not get to go last year, so I was looking forward to checking it out this year. The downtown Civic Center was rented out and each room of it was filled with different activities for people to enjoy. The best part of all... it was a free event! There was live music, a Putz, a love feast, crafts for the kids, face painting, art/craft shows, and lots of free food. (Our church alone donated over 2,000 cookies and I think I heard that they went through something like 10,000 just in the first night!) They also gave food and clothing to those in need. I'm sure there was a lot more there I just can't remember it all, nor did we get to see it all. The party went from 5-9pm for 3 nights.

Our family went the first night to volunteer in the craft room. We helped out at the woodworking tables. It was very chaotic at first because there were soooo many people there and we had no idea what we were doing, but we soon adjusted and the night flew by. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to go again the next night and just enjoy the activities. It was so much fun! I can't wait to go again next year.



Another family tradition we have is after celebrating Christmas Eve with Mikes side of the family we go home and open our stockings. We let Mordecai go first.



he really got into it... if ya know what i mean!



Next was Seth's turn.



Then Joshua.



And Noah. He found a few pair of his favorite socks and...



something else I'm not suppose to tell!

"i see london... i see france... i see Noah's .... hey, he didn't say i couldn't give you a hint!



Now it's daddy's turn.



I guess Mordecai forgot who's the alpha-male around here... he tried to attack daddy while he was opening his stocking.



i think he's got it straight now!


Christmas morning was a lot of fun.



Everyone opened their presents.



And just went it looked as if all the presents had been opened...



...there was a note hiding in the tree. It was an impossible mission to find the missing present. The first clue took them into the kitchen.



They each took turns reading the clues.



Now off to our bathroom. Still another clue!



What does that one say?



Get your shoes and coats on and go to the garden?

yes i know i'm mean, making them go outside in the pouring rain! ...but it was so much fun! MWA HA HA HA!



When they came in they found a nice surprise... HOT CHOCOLATE!

and another clue!



After finally finding their big surprise they said it was worth it.

actually they loved the scavenger hunt and i already have another idea to try for next year.


On New Years Day we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family.



This has been a great Christmas!



Mordecai loved his gifts too.

1 comment:

Karen said...

So was the big surprise hot chocolate ? I love to do scavenger hunts with the kids.... did one last year for Emily's laptop and the few years ago for the trampoline... they love them. We always do one for Easter... so much fun!

Sounds like you all had a great Christmas.... it is really neat to see what others do for family traditions :)

May you all have a joy filled New Year!