Time for Traditions

Christmas time means traditions at our home. Last night we spent time making our version of gingerbread houses. As you can see we all have different talents and ideas when it comes to the size and the complexity of our house.

Justin had to build a two story mansion to fulfill his expectations.

Kennedy worked slowly and carefully so that hers would stay together.

Dad always the perfectionist cut doors and windows in his graham crackers. He added shutters, graham cracker christmas trees with gumdrop stars cut out. He is such a show off.

Mom goes for the easy and simple version. Shawn kindly pointed out that if a rain storm came the water would go under the shingles as I put them upside down. Thanks!!

Carter worked hard at putting as much candy as he could on his house and then the candy that wouldn't fit he just ate.

ANOTHER TRADITION

Every year we make a family ornament to put on our tree. This year we bought little picture frames. We went through old photos and found fun photos and then we decorated our frames.

Of course we can't take a normal picture.

AND ANOTHER TRADITION

Each year at church we have a live nativity as well as inside we have 1000 nativities on display. And since we live close to Branson their are several LDS families who come an perform on the weekend evenings. Our boys had the opportunity to be in the live nativity on a cold snowy night. They have been able to do it for several years. See if you notice one thing you wouldn't have found in the original manger scene. (It's nice to have modern conveniences)

Brady as one of the kings.

Justin as another king.

IF IT SNOWS THAN YOU MUST MAKE SNOW BALLS

This is the first snow that Ryker really remembers and it snowed just enough to make snowballs. He begged me to go outside and play with him. He got on the trampoline and I made some snowballs and while he jumped I tried to hit him. Then he wanted to make snowballs and try to hit me.

The leftovers of his snowball.

Ready....Aim.....Fire!