We had spent the day doing crafts and lounging mostly, took naps and then got everyone dressed for Christmas eve service at Beanie's school/church.
HOW BLESSED we were that BOTH sets of grandparents came to watch Amara sing and celebrate with us! Something I'm SO thankful for especially, since I never had that luxury as a kid ;)
She sang "ring those bells" to kick off the service and then both girls made it through the whole service! It was pretty modern, Cora sang at the top of her lungs, but hushed me whenever I tried to sing along ;)
She was happy to sit next to her school pal, Saphira--even if they were only on stage for a few minutes.
Mom and dad headed off to Jason's but again, another huge surprise as Amara got to ride home with Grandma and Grandpa Young and they stayed to get Chinese with us!
After dinner, Amara got everyone ice cream and after sissy went to bed, she and I baked cookies for Santa (so they'd be fresh.) We made some dark chocolate chip, and after sampling one for quality (or three) she headed up to bed. (not forgetting milk and raisins for Santa's reindeer!)
Is this face ready for Santa or what?
The Wednesday before Christmas marked our 5th annual visit from Santa Dennis!! At about 5:30, the bells jingled, and in the front door he walked--I don't know why, but I think it's so funny that part of his gig is just letting himself right in the front door ;)
Amara went running right for the door and Cora scurried into my lap. Grandma and grandpa Jahn had stopped by for the visit, so they were there waiting for the event too. Amara was happy to jump right into things, but Cora wasn't quite as thrilled. Her reaction was about the same as breakfast with Santa a few weeks ago (Santa told us 1.5 to 3 is about the touch age, before or after that they are pretty ok with him).
Santa told us lots of stories about the reindeer and sang a song--he sings Rudolph and Amara sang along a little bit, but was distracted by his big bag--which she knew to contain presents. She opened hers and it was a RC car, and Cora got a John Deere gator to push. Amara was disappointed that she didn't get her zebra, but I assured her this was just a pop-in visit, and that if she was good, she might get it Christmas morning :)
Santa reminded Amara to be in bed on Christmas even but to listen for his bells up on the roof top. You could see her little mind processing each thing he said and I was just waiting for questions, but she held those back for us after he left....
The girls were so excited to be excited to Jonathan's 5th birthday party!! He is getting so big and tall and they look up to him like the big brother you adore and who pesters you at the same time, haha.
The girls enjoyed their favorite nuggets and applesauce and spent a lot of time in the play area, before Cora got too fussy and Eric took her home. Of all days, she decided NOT to take a nap for Mrs. Sarah, which I can literally count on one hand! Stinker!
I think Amara really enjoyed being with Jonathan to play with some bigger kids and chase and be independent It's so funny to see how she acts without Cora around, and more specifically, when she's at a party environment. If she's comfortable, she gestures wildly and really puts on a show--it's quite funny.
The kids got a big surprise when the giant cow stopped in for a hug and some high-5's! He got lots of hugs and the kids loved seeing him.
Strader's is right down the road from us and they always have dozens of lit trees and fun decorations to look at during the holidays. We popped in to visit this year and they didn't disappoint! We walked in to find beautiful candles, trees, fountains, and all sorts of decorations.
Cora was drawn to anything soft she could touch, while Amara wanted to focus on all the big fish in the fountains and ponds inside.
Amara found some tiny ornaments on a tiny spruce in the greenhouse. I don't know if you could even see bulbs that small on our giant tree!
Cora entertained herself by shopping for boots and hats--this one almost had to come home with us :) Amara went through a hat-phase too, and Cora has certainly hit hers. 
Mrs. Misty put out a call to parents to be involved with the kids Christmas party and of course I jumped at the chance to get in there ;) I happened to be the only parent lucky enough to be there, so I was happy to take photos as well as help with games, stories, etc.
When I arrived, the kids were already working on their pipecleaner candy can craft with fruit loops, a favorite I have come to learn! Seeing the camera, Amara wanted to pose with her new buddy, Saphira, who was happy to entertain her.
While the kids moved on to fruit loop Christmas bingo, I went to the narthex to hide candy canes, for the candy cane hunt. I hid 40 canes for the 11 kids to be able to search for in a pseudo Easter egg hunt fashion.
We then got ready for the candy cane long jump. (And the letter of the week was "C", so lots going on with that!) The kids lined up and got their candy bags ready, then it was time to jump!
The did a standing long jump and got to keep as many candy canes for as far as they jumped. Amara loved this (she does it at home on placemats all time time, so I knew she would) and quickly scooped up her canes with Mrs. Misty.
The class lined up to head downstairs for the hunt. I didn't get a great photo of Amara, they were all running too fast!! ....but they had a fun time helping each other search for their quota of 3-4 each.
Next, Mrs. Misty read The Legend of the Candy Cane for the kids, who sat and watched and listened intently to the story of the how candy canes came to be and all the Jesus/Christian connections. It was a really clever book, and made me wonder for sure!
Back upstairs for craft time, the kids got to frost trees (sugar cones) with frosting, and decorate with colorful marshmallows. The kids fell into line to wash up and participate, all sitting at their designated seats, listening and following directions.
Lunch arrived, but before it was time to eat, Mrs. Misty asked if I could read to the kids. They all gathered round on their rug and I got to read 2 Christmas books to them--one Max & Ruby and another one about trees. They listened pretty well and Amara and Landon helped me put the books away for lunchtime.
Amara loves the "God our father" prayer, and all the kids followed along. We sometimes do this prayer at bedtime too--it's to the tune of "Where is thumbkin" and is a simple yet thankful tune to hear.
The kids all got special Christmas mugs to use with their milk, and loved them! Mrs. Misty certainly spoiled the kids and they enjoyed every second of it. She is so great with them--going out of her way, she's spoiling our family too ;) Amara got to bring her mug home and enjoys using it as often as I can keep it clean.
Amara and Saphira took turns making tiny trees out of their broccoli and both ate their veggies very well with a little ranch dressing, or snow, as I called it....it's all about packaging, right?
Lastly, before I left, the kids got to munch on their trees for dessert. I don't think any of them ate very much, they were pretty full from their great lunch, but I'm sure they polished them off later. 
The kids started off at California Pizza Kitchen and she was glad to see Saphira as well as other friends from GCCCC Mya and Landon.
The kids ate and enjoyed cupcakes, then we headed across the hall to Build-a-Bear. 
They all picked their favorite animals--Amara picked a purple and blue bear, and they stuffed them, put a heart in, and brought them to life!
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