Christmastime 2012

The view from the Redlands Temple. Just lovely. I love the palm trees, snow-capped mountains, & the distant moon  in the blue sky.

Marie was kind enough to take us around town so Keira could see all the Christmas lights. The highlight was the entire block in one neighborhood that was all lit up & had them all flashing to music. Lights + technology = awesomeness! It sort of reminds me of the digital music meter bars that rise and fall with varying levels of intensity, except put to Christmas lights instead. None of my photos turned out very well, so I just played around with them. I like this shot. I look at it & pretend there's snow! Keira had fun walking under the light tunnel. 

There was also our Christmas Amaryllis. I love the way the petals shimmer in the sunlight. Keira was so intrigued with the pollen, probably because she loves learning about bees. She kept wanting to touch the pollen, and even tasted it. 

And fun Christmas play dates! Donna had some errands to run, so we got to spend a couple hours with Dalton. Keira was so excited to have him over a while!

I had a bad headcold for the several days leading up to Christmas. We even missed church on Sunday, but the Dahlke's were kind enough to drop off some much needed relief, as I was having a hard time getting much sleep. I actually didn't end up taking it, but Bob sure took advantage of it once the headcold hit him the day after Christmas. Ugh! Needless to say, Keira & I still haven't gotten around to doing any holiday baking.  Perhaps for the new year. 

Another early Christmas gift, this time from Donna. This play-doh set is a big hit with Keira for sure!

Our Christmas dinner was fairly simple this year. It included ribeye roast, mashed potatoes, corn, spinach cranberry salad, & sparkling apple cranberry cider. mmm!

Keira was so excited to open up her new pajamas from Grannie on Christmas eve! She was jumping around so much, I couldn't even get a picture of her until I told her to freeze! 

We told the Christmas story & unwrapped the corresponding pieces to the nativity as we told it. {You can see the wrapped pieces in the photo above.} After unwrapping, Keira set up the pieces for the nativity. She loved this activity so much, that she had us wrap the pieces up once more so we could do it all over again. 

This nativity is made by Melissa & Doug. I think this will definitely be a new tradition for our family. We still have it set out for Keira to play with.

Christmas morning! A play cash register & one happy little cashier! {or "orderer", as Keira would say.}

One toy semi truck from Auntie Stel {another big hit} & some little sparkly nail polishes from Marie {I've only had to paint Keira's nails twice already!}. She also received a fashionista Barbie doll from the Dahlke's that she is enjoying a lot.

Learning the ins & outs of the art studio program with a little guidance from daddy.

Playing the Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game! {Yet another big hit! We sure were blessed this Christmas!}

Trying out some new paints! {Chita gave her the easel over a year ago.} Keira also received some fingerpaints, dry erase markers, & a few other art supplies to use with her easel.

I've just been a Project Lifer since I received the supplies to get started on Keira's baby book! It's about time! Sheesh! {Only 3 years late!}

I also received a great new charm for my bracelet from my sis! {I still haven't any pics of it though. I'll get to it next year, I promise!} Bob got some cool tools from the Dahlke's, & some good eats from Stel & Jeff, & myself. We had a wonderful Christmastime, in spite of our colds! I hope everyone else out there, who happens to celebrate Christmas, had a wonderful time with loved ones as well, & made lots of cherished memories.

Happy New Year!