Christmas Eve with the Gann Family

 Then after most of the night at the Hansen's we headed over to the Gann's.  One of our traditions is to make a real gingerbread house.  I baked all the pieces that day, and then we went to Mom and Dad's to decorate.  They had already made and decorated theirs and Jess and Alysia had done theirs, we were the last ones!  It is so fun to do traditions you remember as a kid with your best friend as an "adult."  I love that he puts it together just like my Dad always did! 

 Justin constructed after we each decorated all our pieces. 

 I even got to do the icicles and the finishing touch...SNOW!

The finished product!

Growing up we always acted the Nativity out too.  We would wear whatever robes we could find, and put pillowcases on our heads, (for shepherds or Mary or innkeepers).  We would start in the kitchen with all the lights out except for some candles at the "Inns."  Mary, Joseph and the donkey (Dad was usually the donkey) would go to the Inns to find a place to stay, but alas, no room.  Until the last Inn which led us to a stable with a manger.  (We always would end up in front of the tree. )  When we were little we would gather all our stuffed animals to be in the stable.  Then Dad would read Luke 2 about the birth of Christ, the REAL reason for the season.  I love it when he reads it because you can feel the love and appreciation he has for all these amazing events.  Then after the stories done and a few tears have been shed, we all sing Silent night, followed by a family prayer.  Well this year we were small in number, but everyone humored me in keeping tradition.  Guess which parts Justin and I played!  It was neat and really helped me to feel the Spirit of the Christmas season and remember how blessed I am.

It was kinda tough this year because we didn't have Reed and Tina and their beautiful kids here!  Christmas is not the same without children around :)  We love them though, and know that they are starting their own traditions!  And we missed Derek too in Ghana so far away, but know that he is right where God wants him!