Baby Jesus Week

Annabelle really liked this week.  The only problem was that this was the week that we were having all the Christmas parties and doing last minute things to get ready for Christmas.
After the week was over and I realized that we had only done one craft and only read the story of Jesus' birth a couple times.
Then I was thinking, Jesus always ends up taking a back seat to our plans.  We had plenty of time to do gingerbread, snowman, and Santa crafts and activities, but when it came time to focus on the most important person in our lives we were to busy.  Jesus always has time for us.  Whenever it is convenient for us to talk with Him He is there.
Maybe a goal for the new year would be to focus on a bible story each week with Annabelle.

Anyway, what we did do this week was really cute.  Unfortunately I already packed it away.  I am almost tempted to pull it out.......almost....but I'm too lazy.

We made a nativity out of mini terra cotta pots.  We made Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus in the manger, and an Angel.
It was along the line of this picture except way cuter because it was done by a 3 year old.

I may actually get it out when I bring the last tub of Christmas decorations downstairs.

All month we talked about Jesus' birthday and how He was born for us.  For our calendar we put a baby Jesus in a manger on December 25 and moved the star each day to get closer to Jesus' birthday.

Santa Week

We did a week of Santa and Reindeer activities.

This reindeer was made by tracing
Annabelle's foot and hands.

We made this hand Santa.  Annabelle made hs face. 

I tried to get her to choose different eyes, but she liked these.

A cute reindeer craft.

Wedding Fun

We were able to go to one of James'
good friend, Steve's wedding. 
We had a great time at the ceremony,
reception and reception part 2.
Here are a few picture of James and
some of his best friends.

 West Ottawa guys

Congratulations Steve and Ruth!!

Headbands and Hairbows

The other day the girls were having
so much fun doing their hair.

Our After Party

 As we were getting ready for the Christmas Program Annabelle was hoping to be able to wear this

I was able to bribe her with a special treat at Dairy Queen (thanks Colleen!)

She ended up wearing this

We lost all the head bands in her hair and just went with the two on her arms.  
There is a black one and the green one.
She actually got quite a few compliments on her outift.



 

Annabelle decided that her hot fudge sundae was the best! 

Bethlehem Village at Immanuel

The Bethlehem town was a very fun time and had a lot of activities for the kids to do. 


They got to try out different musical instruments.

Annabelle and Eli at the Leather Shop making a necklace.

Ariel and I made Annabelle's pillow at the Weaving Shop.  
Annabelle had started out here, but really wanted to watch her friend Hannah sing.

Ariel really worked hard getting as much stuffing inside as she could.

Annabelle loved her pillow.

Annabelle and Hannah making Dreidles.

Taking a little break to watch a movie.

I asked Ariel to stand by a Christmas tree so I could take her picture.
She really wanted to stand by this regular tree.

They also had horse and carriage rides.  

Annabelle's Christmas Program

On Saturday our church had a Christmas Open House.

They had a village set up and the kids sang.

These girls love each other so much.

Practicing before they perform.

Time to sing!

It looks like Annabelle and Addi both want center stage!

Annabelle really loves to perform and was able to be right in front.

Annabelle and her friend Emmerson afterward.