Christmas Celebrations

The weekend before Christmas we had the Kims over for dinner... we always have a great time with them! From left to right: Gavin, Emily, Melissa, and Lauren.  

 MAWS and DD stopped by the day before Christmas Eve to bring the girls an early gift...

 Puppy dog sleeping bags with their names on it!

On Christmas Eve we went to the Kisors for lunch. Kay and Kali entertained the girls with games and crafts... here is Emily playing pin the nose on the Rudolph. 

Twins times two! From left to right: Kali, Emily, Kay, and Lauren. 

We spent most of Christmas Day at home, opening gifts and relaxing by the tree.

Girls checking out their stocking contents.

Our relatives Carol Ann and Joe sent the girls Stompeez slippers... they screamed with delight when they opened them!

In the evening we went to Grandpa and Grandma Rufener's house to have dessert and exchange gifts. The girls sang some Christmas songs too! We are so grateful to live close to our families so we can see them during the holidays and throughout the year. :)

School Holiday Program and Boat Safety Week

The girls performed in their first school holiday program this year! Here are the students gathering before the start of the program. Lauren is wearing a Santa hat and holding Emily's hand.

The class sang three songs- Jingle Bells, Must Be Santa, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Emily is the fifth person from the right and Lauren is the second person from the right. The class did a terrific job, and afterwards there was a dessert potluck for everyone to enjoy.

It snowed a little this past week too! Lauren had fun trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue.

It was also boat safety week at the girls' swimming class. They had to jump into the pool, swim to the safety boat, grab a boat strap, and float on their back.

They also practiced getting into the safety boat. Once everyone was inside, teacher Wendy took them all for a ride through the pool!

A Christmas Carol

Emily singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas. She drew music notes on a piece of paper and wanted to "read the music" while we videotaped her singing. 

Lauren singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas. She was a bit camera shy when Emily filmed her video but later decided that she wanted to be videotaped too!

Santa Sighting and Tree Trimming

The girls patiently waited in line for a chance to visit with Santa! Lauren was a bit shy, so I think Emily did most of the talking. 

 We also finished decorating our tree! The girls did a great job hanging up the ornaments.

Lauren pretending to be Santa and Emily trying to sit on her lap.

Girls enjoying a rare sunny day at the park. 

Riding on the mall merry go round.

Lauren (left) and Emily (right).

Christmas Tree Hunting at Sleighbells

This weekend we went Christmas tree hunting at a place near our house called Sleighbells Farm. The girls had a great time searching for just the right tree!

Lauren with Daddy.

The girls liked this "baby tree".

 Emily, Justin, and Lauren standing in front of our tree of choice!

 Emily (left) and Lauren (right) helping out with the lights.

 The girls were especially excited about the sparkling gold star for the top of the tree.

Our beautiful tree! We are really enjoying it even though we still have to finish decorating it. Lauren insisted on taking a picture too and said it was the best Christmas tree ever!