December

December 2012

 Merry Christmas! From the Macdonalds.

For the first time, possibly ever, I sent out Christmas cards. This was our family picture we sent out.

For a family activity we drove through McAdenville which is officially "Christmastown, USA". All the homes in town are decorated on some level as well as all the public areas. People drive through the small town with their windows down admiring the lights and shouting "Merry Christmas" to each other. 

Isaac's favorite toy is a dollar store soldier helmut, sword and shield. He runs around the house making sword sounds and looking intimidating. 

I really liked the neighbor gifts I did this year. I have a feeling these "cookies in a jar" are going to become popular (darn it). They are so cute and easy to make. Plus they store well, deliver well and they are delicious. 

For the past 6 (I think) years we've gotten together with our "North Carolina Family", the Abbotts and Smiths, for Christmas dinner. This year it was my turn to host and I choose to do it Christmas Eve. 

I love decking the house with candles and lighting them all.

My "sisters". Kristin and Sandy.

After dinner the kids decorated cookies for Santa.

Sandy, Kristin and I gathered round the piano to sing some carols. Addilyn even accompanied us on the piano while we sang "The 12 Days of Christmas". She did amazingly well.

After, we all gathered round while Rob read from Luke.

The kids acted the story out with the nativity figures.

When friends went home we opened our Christmas pajama's and hurried off to bed .

Here's the before picture.

Christmas morning.

Isaac opening his stocking.

Alex got his guitar from Santa and some Walkie Talkie's from dad.

Addilyn got the password journal she requested and a CD player that she didn't request but was thrilled to have.

Maycie got her art supplies.

Isaac got some Imaginex planes.

Maycie gave her first oil on canvas painting to dad. 

The girls also got rollerblades.

The kids' favorite part of Christmas (besides the presents) is Christmas breakfast. They look forward to the cinnamon rolls, breakfast meats, egg nog and hot chocolate with candy canes.