Christmas 2008.....

Our little actresses, acting out the nativity

Trying to help Ava watch the play

This Christmas we spent it at the Neilsons and had a blast. It was a quick trip as we got there on the 23 and then left on Christmas day. But boy did we pack in a bunch of fun. As soon as we got to Red Deer we went straight to the pool, as usual. They have the funnest Swimming Center with waterslides, a river, a huge kiddy playground, fountains, and two hot tubs. The best part about it is that it is WARM!?! We love it there so much that we really try to go every time we visit Scotts family. We had so much fun that night that we got up on Christmas Eve morning and went again. My girls are fishes and love to have their heads under the whole time. We really have to watch them because sometimes they need a little help taking a breath. That night we had an amazing Christmas dinner, thanks to Scotts mom. Then the traditions began, acting out the nativity and getting the Christmas Eve pajamas. They were so cute doing the Nativity, Mia was one of the angles and Ava was Joseph. We finally have two boys in the family after a ton of girls but they weren't quite old enough to be Joseph yet. Ava was on a mission getting Mary to the Stable and then once her job was done she had no interest in the play anymore. Mia and her older cousin Madi absolutely LOVE each other and despite 3 years difference in age are inseperable when they are together. Those two were both angles and practised their parts for about an hour before the big show. Grandma Neilson bought all the grandkids the cutest pajama's all matching. They looked so cute all going to bed. Once the kids were safely nestled all snug in their beds, the wrapping began. I get my wrapping finished before this night but Scotts family has quite a big job on their hands once the kids are in bed. Scott and I helped and I think we went to bed about 2 in the morning.

Scott's whole family was able to be there this year, all 19 of us, and it was to fun to all be together. I am not sure when or if this will happen again for Christmas as we are all starting our families, but it was so special (especially for Scott's mom) to have us all together. We love Christmas and love just hanging out and spending time together.

All the Neilson Grandkids in their matching PJ's

Notice Scott's attempt at a beard

I think Mia wished she could have him for Christmas

Ava with the mountain