Christmas Eve

Aunty Barbara and Uncle Larry (our beloved Tia B and Uncle El) came for Christmas Eve. We met them in the NYC for a rainy visit to the holiday windows and tree in Rockefeller Center, and then went to see the Rockettes in the Radio City Holiday Show!

Back at home, we enjoyed time together and a festive holiday dinner before we headed out to church for Christmas Eve.

Christmas Pageant, Holiday Cookie Baking

The girls participated in the pageant at our church:

And we did our annual holiday cookie baking party:

Winter Concerts

We had the pleasure of a winter concert marathon between Fer's 7th grade orchestra concert, both girls performing in the choirs for their grade at the all-district choral concert, and then Wendy's 6th grade band concert. They did wonderfully and we were so proud. A few pics below:

After Fer's orchestra concert:

Wendy on stage at the choral and band concerts:

(far right in the second row)

(first one in the middle row, playing clarinet)

Holiday Visit

The girls' good friends Apple and Milli came to visit from NYC for a holiday sleepover in what is becoming a December tradition. On Saturday the four girls put up one of our trees, helped wrap presents, watched a holiday video while I baked cookies and made peppermint bark and finally all of us went to see Elf at the nearby Paper Mill Playhouse, which was a great production and full of cheer and pep. On Sunday, we all went to church for the service and pageant rehearsal, and then in the afternoon went caroling at a nearby nursing home and the home of one of our parishioners, finishing up with an open house for cider and cookies at our place. Truly a weekend to get into the spirit.

Fun on Saturday:

Caroling on Sunday:

Church Decorating Night

One of our Advent traditions is Church Decorating Night in which we have a potluck, craft ornaments and then decorate the sanctuary.

Crafting and dinner beforehand:

Here are all the kids in front of the decorated tree!