Wilkins' World: Christmas Round 2: Allen

Monday, February 18, 2013

Christmas Round 2: Allen

We drove home to Allen on Christmas Eve morning just in time to unwind and start Christmas Round 2. We really love being at our house on Christmas - we don't have to worry about hiding gifts in the car, we can attend the Christmas Eve service at our church, see some friends and let the kids enjoy the aftermath in the comforts of home.

We typically drive around and look at Christmas lights each year and a few days before we left for Waco we did this "with a twist". I got an idea off of Pinterest to surprise the kids with a trip on the "Christmas Express". I should have made it more of a surprise and told them about it right after their baths, but we let them know that morning so it was a bit anti-climatic. That day we also gave them their new Christmas jammies and special ornaments (Luke: soccer ball, Hannah: Harry Potter, Ryan: Hallmark frame). We packed some cookies and sweet treats and gave them each their own cup of hot cocoa (or chocolate milk) for the ride. They boarded the car with their tickets and off we went. It was fun! We weren't up for a late night so the "Christmas Express" only toured the neighborhood and a few surrounding streets, but it was a fun time!

Hannah tried our her new pop bead set from Aunt Julianna the day we got home from Waco. This girl still doesn't understand the concept of "less is more", but she sure is cute!

The kids all dressed up ready for church. Of course, Bosley had to be in the picture and Luke is being a dog too. :-)

The annual picture in front of the Christmas tree. They are so big!

My Dad always read us "The Night Before Christmas" so I carry on the tradition in his honor.

Hannah left our visitors gifts this year. Mints and chocolates for the reindeer, a purse and stocking made from pipe-cleaners for Mrs. Clause, and bracelets for the big guy.