Four-CHEN-ate!: Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful day full of fun and laughter. We had a nice time together as a family.

On Christmas eve we went to church with our friends the Cunninghams. They didn't have any family in town either so it worked out well. Our church had a kids service (led by the children's ministry) at 5 pm followed by two more traditional services (large orchestra and choirs). The kids service was not really like a church service at all. It was more of a theater show -- talking about compassion and the Christmas story. It held Erik's attention the whole time. Sean even danced off and on throughout the service. If I were going to church without the kids I would have preferred a more reverent environment but I am glad that Erik loves to go to church and thinks it is a fun place to be.

After church we came and decorated a cake for baby Jesus and ended our night eating cake and opening a couple presents -- Christmas pajamas and books.
Here is a video of Erik with the cake.

Cake for Santa. Erik wanted to put it right next to the presents instead of on the table in the front room. Funny!

Sexy santa claus who stayed up until 1:15 am putting together the kitchen.

Christmas morning started very, very early! Elaina woke up at 4:53 am (in addition to eating at 1:15 am). She has been doing this recently. I really don't mind if she gets up at 5:30 or later but 4:53 is obnoxious. Erik must have heard Lainey crying because when I went to get her he was already in her room. Nice. So I fed Lainey and we all headed downstairs. Christmas presents were all opened by 6:23 in the morning. Pretty funny!!

Santa (aka Grandma and Grandpa Chen) brought Erik a really nice kitchen. He really likes this! It also came with a mixer and cookie set so he has been baking for us all day.

Erik's other favorite present was a new scooter -- with three wheels. He has been wanting one for at least 6 months and is finally old enough to figure out how to use it.

Elaina didn't get much of anything -- she has everything she needs. Santa brought her some baby food. We got her a toy shape sorter. Erik played with it all day. She was happy with the wrapping paper.

Watching a movie and eating popcorn in our new popcorn popper at 8:00 am.

For the Christmas menu I made: ham, scalloped potatoes (Leslie's recipe), green beans (pioneer woman), dinner rolls (PW), mushrooms with brie (PW), and the caramel apple sticky buns (PW).

My favorite thing of all is the caramel apple sticky buns! Victor liked the ham and potatoes the best. Erik liked the ham, rolls, and sticky buns. He helped me make the buns today. Very cute!