what I want to remember from Christmas 2016

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I can't believe it's Christmas Eve! I absolutely loved Christmas as a little girl...I have very fond memories of going to church on Christmas Eve and then falling asleep with butterflies in my stomach! And as wonderful as that was, somehow, this year has been my favorite Christmas ever. It is just so darn fun when you have little kids who "get" it, isn't it?

We visited Santa (which Finch did NOT enjoy)...

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...and his reindeer...

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...wrote Santa a letter... 

"Dear Santa: I would love to have a Little Pony watch and I want it to be a kid watch. Sincerely: Rooney" I'm so thankful we are still in the stage where a $10 watch is the #1 gift!

"Dear Santa: I would love to have a Little Pony watch and I want it to be a kid watch. Sincerely: Rooney" I'm so thankful we are still in the stage where a $10 watch is the #1 gift!

...put up our Christmas tree (which Rooney decorated all by herself and I haven't moved any of the ornaments, even though there are a few branches who are carrying most of the weight)...

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...went to a crazy fun Christmas party with friends...

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...wore Christmas jammies...

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...made our first gingerbread house...

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...Rooney had not one...

(second row down, fourth from the right)

(second row down, fourth from the right)

...not two...

(the giant in the front row)

(the giant in the front row)

...but THREE Christmas programs (for preschool, church and daycare, respectively)...

(fourth from the left)

(fourth from the left)

...and Finch had his first ever Christmas program!

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He knows how to play those jingle bells! Rooney absolutely loves being on stage and wishes she could perform again!

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We wrapped presents together, watched the snow fall outside our window, listened to our favorite Christmas playlist, and counted down the days until Christmas Eve Eve, when we went to church (we travel on Christmas Eve to see family). It has been such a wonderful month of fun! I hope you have a merry Christmas wherever you are!

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(all "fancy" DSLR photos by Shandy Mikkelsen)