Anticipation

After a morning of cleaning and grocery shopping we headed out for a walk around the lake. The idea was met with some protest. We went anyway!

This helped us all to enjoy the walk a little more.

The weather was quite chilly, but the sun was out and

that's all that you can really ask for in these parts.

Grandma enjoyed the exercise. That way she could feel better

about all she would eat over the next few days!

Now this is a hot, skinny man who has been exercising. Over the last 3 months Spenser has lost a total of 3o pounds. He has worked so hard and even though I have teased him about how much time he now likes to spend at the gym, and how much he watches what he eats, I am so proud of him. I just need to get inspired now.

Holding my skinny, hot man!

Grandpa pushing ahead with the princess.

That girl hates to walk.

Pausing for a photo

I love these guys!

Love them close up too

The sun was starting to set as we finally made it back to the car. As Spense and I readied the fondue people danced.

Here they are enjoying some traditional festive tunes. Grandma didn't seem to appreciate the kids choices quite so much and just wanted to play some pop music. Typical English chick!

We enjoyed our traditional cheese fondue.

Grandma loved getting stuck in. She was just thinking of all

those calories she could not replace which had been lost on her walk!

Olivia just enjoyed her traditional bread and being

able to drink from her fancy glass.

After we had moved onto the meat we decided to take a break and have our nativity. Getting ready was quite the to do since Thomas and Olivia kept changing their minds about what they wanted to be. When Olivia decided that she wasn't going to be Mary, Thomas said he would be a shepherd. I was glad when Olivia finally came around because I didn't know where we were going to find a costume for a horse! With his beloved Olivia as Mary, Thomas went back to being Joseph. The only child who didn't change his mind was Zach. He was pretty adamant from the beginning that he would not be participating as anyone.

Our sweet Joseph

Mary watching closely over the baby Jesus

Could there be a more angelic angel?

A truly wise man

After our nativity we sung a few carols and shared some feelings about the Savior. Christmas Eve is probably my favorite part about Christmas.

We then indulged in the chocolate fountain.

This little guy was the first one up at the counter

Chocolate strawberries

mucky pup!

Then it was time to open pajamas.

Olivia needed some pajamas to help cover her up

Zach couldn't get his Buzz PJ's on quick enough

Laying the cookies out for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph

All ready for Santa. Hopefully he'll bring

everyone just what they want.