This Christmas we decided to remain home in Philadelphia instead of spending it in Idaho with family. We did miss our family, however, we did not miss the following unexpected layovers due to weather, security screenings, over tired kids, jet lag, and all other unpleasantness that come from traveling over the holidays. We really enjoyed creating our own family traditions as this is the first time in our 9 year marriage that we have not been at parents houses. Here is what we did. Monday night we made a gingerbread house and watched Disney Prep and Landing. Tuesday we let the girls play in the snow and they had a fabulous time. Wednesday we made cookies. Thursday we had a special FHE and talked all about the birth of Jesus and what his birth and life meant for us.

We then let them open one gift (the ones Grama and Grampa Norby sent) they of course were pj's. They dressed in jammies and we went out to look at the wonderful light displays, a lot of neighborhoods have contests and nothing is spared. Kenna who was concerned about "no creatures stirring" wanted to hurry home and go to bed. Before we had left we had checked on line and saw that Santa was in England so she was sure he would be to NY soon and then on to PA. After lights we had hot chocolate and doughnuts and the girls went to bed.

I was expecting early risers but they slept in until 8:15.We lined the girls up at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning, and then got into place with the video camcorder and the camera. We gave them the go-ahead to come down the stairs. Kenna came barreling down the stairs and squealed with delight at what she saw for Christmas. No Brynlee. We called to her at the top of the stairs and she informed us that she was “scaried of San-tuh”; she thought that he was actually downstairs waiting for her and wasn’t interested at all in seeing him. We had to go up the stairs and carry her down. Once she did get downstairs she was excited. Santa actually showed up a few moments later (something the borough does here) When he walked in I thought for sure she would be right back upstairs and we would never get her back down. But I guess she was impressed with her tricycle and let him right in took him by the hand and led him to the couch for a photo. Both of the girls had a good time and have enjoyed playing and riding on the things that they got. Lauren just took it all in with wonder. The tree lights were intriguing and the crackle of the wrapping paper was magnificent. I really liked this picture of her checking out her toy. She has such a cute little profile.

P.S. The dog in some of the photos is not a Christmas present. It is just Gracie who we are watching for some friends who are out of town.