At first Chantel was Mary and rode the donkey (Peter Gordon) but Emily thought it looked like great fun to ride the donkey and so she became Mary.
I was Joseph, Becca was the angel and Hannah played the Shepherd. 
We also talked about what the different emblems of Christmas represent and how they all help us remember the Savior's birth.Christmas morning the kids slept in until 7:30 a.m. and then we opened presents. Every one was happy with what they got. I got a gargoyle to go in my garden--once I figure out where I'm going to put him, I'll post a picture. Chantel got a pearl necklace that she really likes--it is made from the two purple pearls we got in Hawaii and a white pearl from a ring her Dad gave her years ago. They are all mounted on a gold chain. Becca can't decide if she likes her MP3 player or her basketball better. Hannah is all dolled up in a hot pink bathrobe with butterflies and got clothes for her American Girl doll. Peter Gordon got two front loaders and they have seen extensive use. He also got some Lincoln Logs and both he and I have had fun building things. Emily got her own baby doll and a mini Sleepytime Carebear. She also got some peg puzzles and is quite good at them already.
We have had snowstorms off and on for over a week and I have spent a lot of time shoveling it. The kids have had fun playing in the snow. Brad was down for a quick visit on Wednesday and we all got a treat--we went out to dinner at Cafe Rio. Brad even treated the kids to a pizza lunch on Thursday afternoon. We wish he was closer. The kids love Uncle Brad. We wish you were all closer so that we could have big holiday parties--oh well. We are looking forward to the New Year and hope it is as good as this one has been.
I finally figured out how to set the automatic timer on my camera and so we hope you enjoy our family picture.
