So much has happened in the last month that we’ve gotten very behind at posting new photos and blog entries.

This year we put up our Christmas tree on Nov 30th. Although it wasn’t even December yet, we wanted to get the tree in place before our Christmas party later that week.  Natalie was very helpful and enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree with us. We had original planned to decorate it during her afternoon nap, but decided against it at the last minute. She did a great job and decorated most of the bottom of the tree by herself with only a little coaching about not hanging all the ornaments on the same branch. :) There was one ornament casualty involved, but it wasn’t a particularly sentimental ornament and Natalie learned not to play with tree.

This year we hosted our bible study Christmas party. Our bible study Christmas party was a tapas and dessert potluck with tons of goodies to munch on.  We opted for a adult party again this year as we all enjoy getting a night out and a chance to eat and have conversations that last longer than a minute. We also enjoyed our 2nd annual “recycled present exchange game” in which we all wrap and bring something we no longer use/want from home and play a present-stealing game. It is lots of fun and some of the gifts even made a second appearance this year. :)

The following Friday and Saturday we attended my work’s adult and kid’s Christmas parties. At the adult Christmas party we had our portrait taken, enjoyed good food and got a chance to chat with my co-workers and their significant others. At the kid’s Christmas party we enjoyed crafts, gingerbread man decorating, a kid-themed buffet including an ice-cream sundae bar, games, and a visit and presents from Santa. It was a great time and the girls really enjoyed themselves.

Last Friday we attended Christina’s Christmas party at the restaurant Chivana. Since Christina has been on maternity leave since July it was an great opportunity for her to reconnect with coworkers. We had another great meal and night out. We even got to see Christina’s sister as she recently started working there.

Our church puts on several Christmas events and last Sunday they had a short Christmas Pageant for the kids in the Sunday preschool program. Natalie’s class, Turtles, were Bethlehem children this year. It was very cute and she did a great job of singing her songs, although we still have them stuck in our heads after all the practicing.