traditions

This time of year is full of traditions passed down from over the years. It's also a time to start new ones when you have your own kids.

AJ and I have had the kids make (or decorate) ornaments each year for our tree. We put their name or initial on it with the year it was made.

I have a hard time just sitting back and letting them do it. The perfectionist in me wants to micromanage every little paint stroke or drop of glitter. But I have to balance giving instruction and letting them do it on their own. Because the whole point is that it's their ornament, right?

We even got Devin to join in our annual fun!

Our church's tradition is to have the little ones sing a few songs for the congregation.

They really sang out, more so than any other year. Well...most of them did.

Ari had no desire to sing in front of everyone. He knew all the words and motions, but decided to barely sing. This was the only smile we got out of him. I can't blame him though. Being in front of a crowd is not my thing either.

Another tradition we have is doing a cookie day with my family and cousins. Each year has gotten more fun as the kids get older and are able to play with each other and help out with the actual cookie making.

They did an excellent job decorating them (without eating them all in the process)!

And our final product of slaying over an oven. The whole tradition started as a way to spend time with family, but also to make enough to share with friends and neighbors. Yum!

This little nugget decided to start crawling a few weeks ago. So that has nothing to do with traditions...but she is so cute I couldn't resist.

AJ and I have been to Christmas at the Zoo every year since 2004. That's when we started dating, and now we are able to enjoy that tradition with our kids.

My mom and sister were able to join us this year.

There aren't as many animals out, but the lights are amazing.

We went to the dolphin show, saw a brown bear eating a snack, and even saw a few reindeer.

These are only some of the traditions we love to do each year around Christmas. As you saw here, we also enjoy preparing our hearts for celebrating the birth of our Savior. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!