Preparing for Christmas

First, we set up the Advent wreath.

And, St. Nicholas came to drop off some chocolate coins in the kids' shoes on Dec 6. Catherine got into them before I realized and was drooling chocolate all over herself and the house.  ;)

Ashley was part of the Advent Program at school, a production called Miracle on Bethlehem Street. It was very good and had lots of singing! She is the one on the left with a light blue robe and maroon sash. She was part of the choir and rang bells during the last song.

Ashley & Vinny had their Gymnastics Holiday Presentation. They both did floor routines with their classmates and then worked the circuits of various events, like tumbling, rings, balance beam, etc.

We went to Nick's Christmas party for work, which was very nice. They had a great lunch at a nearby hotel and even had presents for the kids. Then, we walked back and got to see his office. The kids enjoyed writing on the whiteboard, looking at the view to Atlanta and drinking water from the water cooler.  :) 

Ashley played several songs for her In-Class concert: Waltz and a couple of Christmas carols. All three girls sang together, too. 

Jesus is the light of the world, and now, so is our house!

We set up our Christmas village.

 and stockings . . .

 And, slowly but surely, we've been working on filling up the Jesse Tree. Everyday (or so) we read a Scripture passage and hang the matching ornament that traces the history of salvation, from Creation of the World all the way to Jesus' birth.

 Vinny points out where Jesus in the Manger will go at the very top -- in 2 days!