A Rewind to Christmas Time

Better late than never, here's some of our December activities that made the holidays so fun!

Kirstie got all comfy and cozy to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. She still loves to watch the choir sing!

Her favorite Christmas movie this year was Mr. Kruger's Christmas. She loved the music in it (thanks again to the MoTab choir). She couldn't watch it unless she had her Cinderella dress on to dance in.

Ian loved all the Christmas books we had out, especially the one Grandma and Grandpa Olsen recorded reading to them. I was impressed with how well he left the tree and decorations alone-- I guess if he can't climb it then it isn't worth bothering with!

Christmas is the time for baking, and I was lucky enough to have two special "helpers" help me each time.

Santa Claus made an appearance at our ward Christmas party. Ian didn't sit long, but at least he did sit there!

Kirstie on the other hand was so terrified of even the thought of being in the same room with him, she started crying before he came in. I had to take her out to calm her down. She settled on writing a letter to Santa instead. And she's already let me know that she's not going to sit on his lap next year, but Ian can. We'll see!

The whole Buchanan family made a trip down to see the lights at Temple Square. It was a chilly night, but worth it.

Kirstie every day, at least once a day, would dress up as Mary during Christmas time. Her Sleeping Beauty doll has been renamed Baby Jesus. Anytime she heard or sang Silent Night or Away in a Manger she would wrap up Baby Jesus in a blanket and rock him (although Kirstie calls it a "her.") One day the song came on either the radio or a movie and she didn't have her doll. She ran around the house calling out, "Where's Jesus? I need Jesus!"

Even still, the Baby Jesus name remains.

We had our traditional Christmas Eve with the Olsen Family. My amazing sister-in-law made matching shirts for all the kids. Ian's not in the picture. We just can't seem to get him to sit still long enough for a quick snapshot. People watch him at church or at my house and ask me if he ever slows down or stops moving. No. No he doesn't. It's exhausting!

Christmas morning at last!! The kids slept in until 8:30-- it was a Christmas miracle! We enjoyed a nice long morning opening presents and eating breakfast. Then it was on to church and more presents with the Buchanan family!

Merry Christmas one and all!