Chistmas Eve 2011

As has become our annual tradition, the girls and I went to the Hunters' Christmas Eve open house. Every year, a big group of us walk a few blocks to a cul-de-sac of about four houses (which are all extravagantly decorated) and see Santa. Abigail was not sure that she wanted to go. "I already talked to Santa," she told me, with a worried look on her face. True, we saw Santa at Bergstrom's a few weeks ago, but it never hurts to tell him again about your Christmas wishes! When we got there, a sign told us that Santa was scheduled to be there from 6:00-7:30 on Christmas Eve. It was 7:45. Oops! Despite being reluctant to see Santa, Abigail was bitterly disappointed that he was not there. Oh well. We returned to the party, where Abigail had a big plate of fruit salad, and both girls retreated to a back bedroom to watch cable television! In previous years, the party has gone late into the night. This year, the Bushnell girls were the last group to leave, at the incredibly late hour of.... 9:30!

Ahhhh.... we love bubble baths!

It's Christmas time!

What a crazy busy season! Abigail had her first Christmas program, at her new preschool. The children sang, "The First Noel," "Joy to the World," and recited a short scripture verse. It was absolutely darling, and pretty funny as well!


We went to see a stage show called "The Christmas Movie" at Calvary Santa Ana. It was a production in which some of the classic Christmas movies were acted out in five minute segments, along with dancing, choir singing, and it all culminated in pointing out the ways that it all points us to the Savior. Afterwards, there was popcorn and hot cocoa.


We opened gifts at the Hunters' house once school was out for vacation. Abigail received a Nintendo DS, which she had been longing for. She also got the Little People "Jundle" (actually the Talking Zoo) that she had seen in a catalog. Frances received perfume she'd wanted, along with clothing from her favorite store. She also got a game for her DS, and other electronics.

We finally went out and bought our tree, about 5 days before Christmas. The girls and I drove to the tree lot (the same vendor we've frequented for many years) and this year we actually opted for a Noble, rather than a Douglas. Frances perused the trees, and we settled on one that it not too tall, but is quite wide. This makes it easy for the girls to hang ornaments, but it was a challenge to get it in through the front door!

We decorated the tree on the morning of Christmas Eve, with me providing ornaments and hangers, and the girls doing the decorating. The tree looks great!

We've been busy with playdates, going to Knott's, and getting ready for the Big Day. Haven't started on cards or a Christmas letter yet, but maybe next week....
Merry Christmas!