Happy Birthday, Jesus!

This year for Christmas we stayed in town and were able to really have a nice and relaxing day together. After Jake was deployed for Christmas 2010, it was extra special this year to cherish being a complete family. We filled the day with presents, traditions, and friends... it was perfect. 

Santa was awesome this year. He brought the kids exactly what they wanted: the girls received American Girl dolls and the boys received light-up lightsabers. Even Sarah received a new hedgehog, but it didn't last even a full day. That was a shame. 

I'd like to point out that the girls are all dressed up in their Christmas dresses, hair styled and everything... while the boys are in their pajamas. I like that they all have their own ways of doing things. 

Bella with her bracelets:

 Jedi Jacob:

 Out-gunned: Pirate vs. Jedi

 Didn't you hear? Star Wars guys ride Thomas trains! 

 And... it's me. Didn't manage to get any photos of Jake, though. Oops. 

 Dollar store armor... one of the best values I've snagged there:

The girls received two new games for their DS's - Tom & Jerry and Lego Star Wars.

Apparently, our family has become a Star Wars family, because my children are completely obsessed with all things Star Wars. I bought the complete movie set for Jake's gift, and they have now watched all 6 of the movies. We have six different lightsabers in our house. We have one storm trooper Nerf gun (that I managed to pick up at a consignment sale for less than $2). We now have a turtle walker (see next photo) and various figurines. And last but not least, we have a growing collection of Star Wars Legos. At this rate, I have a feeling we might be able to pull off a family themed Halloween this year!

 Fear the Darth Will:

One of Will's favorite things to play with are the oven mitts. He goofed off while I was making the rum cake.

This year, Bella set out to get gifts for each of our family members. She got most of the gifts from the Awana store with all the points she has earned for memorizing her Bible verses. She is a very thoughtful child. For the boys, Bella 'purchased' pirate sets that came with a sword, eyepatch, and earring. Here is Pirate Addie (also sporting a new dress she got for Christmas):

It was a wonderful day. After presents, we had our traditional cinnamon rolls (out of the can) for breakfast, and I spent the afternoon cooking pastacchio for dinner. We had friends come and join us for the evening meal and to watch some football, and then we called it a day. Nothing spectacular, but it was just right. 

I am so thankful for a Lord and Savior who came down to earth and was born a child, only to later die for us so that we may have life. 

Happy Birthday, Jesus!