Christmas Eve

We spent much of Christmas Eve cleaning house and getting ready for the get-together at our house the next day. But at 4 p.m. we gathered at our friends' the Bells house and had an awesome dinner and a little Christmas Nativity Pageant. Isak and Elina played Joseph and Mary. This year's Mary refused to walk to Bethlehem, though, and demanded a donkey. Good thing she has a great dad who was willing to step in. (We might have to make a donkey's head for next year's production).

 Shepherds: Julia and Luke

 Mary and Joseph (choke hold?? really?)

Angels: Anja and Madeline 

 Mary on her donkey and Joseph

"Joy to the World, the Lord is come!" 

(one little shepherd had abandoned her herd at this point and shed her costume)

We opened presents after coming home from the Bells. Here are a few pictures:

 Julia LOVED this cake, played with it over and over. 

Isak with the Lego set of his desire.

All three girls got Princess dolls. 

Anja got Rapunzel, Elina got Mulan and Julia Aurora.