Christmas 2011

And here we go...with this post, I will be done with 2011!  

We spent Christmas morning here at home and then had a brunch with our gospel community (small group) from church.  With full tummies, we hit the road to make our way up to Georgia to spend Christmas with my family.  It was a fun filled couple of days as we celebrated the birth of our Savior!  

other Christmas festivities

Arden and Esther had a special Christmas class for ballet.  They got to wear reindeer ears and prance around with jingle bells.  They also got to "skate" with Christmas muffs and dance with candles to "Silent Night," giving praise to Jesus.

Arden and I joined other families from our homeschool community to go to the First Coast Nutcracker in Jacksonville.  It was a special treat to see Ms. Tamara, a mom and tutor from our community (who also happens to be a beautiful ballerina!) perform!

Arden and Tiffany after the show

Esther's VPK Christmas party

Her school has a drive through light show set to music each year and also a huge tent set up   like Santa's workshop.

Esther showing us the ornament she made hanging on a tree decorated by the VPK classes.

"Mary and baby Jesus"

Christmas Eve was spent downtown at the plaza where our church has "Carols by Candlelight" each year

Christmas cookies

The girls loved wearing their Christmas aprons made by Aunt Jenni!

We made "cookies in a jar" to give out as special gifts...

Sea World!

Over Thanksgiving, Nonie and Dagan went ahead and gave us our Christmas present... annual passes to Sea World!  We couldn't wait to head on down and get in an overnight trip before Christmas.  Thank you Nonie and Dagan - we are loving to get to go back again and again!

Sea of Trees... I love Christmas lights and Sea World did not disappoint!

"Snowing!"

In the very middle of this picture, believe it or not, you'll see Woody with Esther!  Who knew she would LOVE riding this kiddie coaster, Shamu Express!