December 2010

Christmas in Paris was such fun.  We tried to experience as much as we could; outdoor markets, church nativities, and window displays.  Throw in some unexpected snow and it made for quite a magical time of year.  (Of course the kids reminded me that I had told them we would not see snow while we lived in Paris, since that just didn't happen here.  They called me a liar on more then one occasion.)

Snow in Paris, something we didn't plan on seeing.

Snowball Fight!!

One day before Christmas our neighborhood set up a
small house so Pere Noel could come and visit.
The kids enjoyed seeing Santa and his reindeer.

At the ward Christmas Party the primary
children acted out the nativity.
Chris was Joseph.

Becca was a pig in the stable.

The cutest pig I've ever seen!

Chris wasn't exactly thrilled with his role as Joseph.

Santa stopped by to chat with the kids.

Melissa was not happy to see Santa!

Family visit to the Christmas Ferris Wheel.

The Ferris Wheel at
Place de la Concorde

Rebecca's school class put on a little Christmas show for
the parents on the last day before vacation.

Melissa learned a new trick, hanging from the table.
I knew she was a monkey.

During Christmas the big stores in Paris have
amazing window displays.
We spent an evening walking down Blvd. Haussmann to
view the windows at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.

Inside Galeries Lafayette

The Christmas tree in front of Notre Dame.
They always have a nativity set up inside,
but my pictures didn't turn out very well,
so you'll just have to believe me when I say it
was a lovely nativity.

All the kids in their Christmas pj pants on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning.
I love watching the kids open their presents and
see their excitement.

Melissa really got into Christmas this year.
She understood opening presents to find new toys inside.

For months Becca has been asking for
an umbrella.  When we asked her what kind,
she replied that she wanted a pink umbrella,
with Hello kitty, and it should be clear
so she could see the rain falling on her.
Somehow Mike was able to find a
clear umbrella with pink trim and a picture
of Hello Kitty!
Becca was thrilled!!

Rachael has a firend at preschool who all winter has been
wearing a hat like this one, and ever day Rachael would
tell me that she wanted a hat, just like Eloise.  Mike and
I were able to find this at an outdoor market shortly before
Christmas.  Rachael wore it for most of the day.
(granted she lost the hat a few week later when we were
out running errands, and I've already had to replace it,
good thing I got a picture)

Mike has heard a lot about this game, and I'm glad I was able
to find it in time for Christmas.

Melissa's excitement at seeing a new Little
People toy inside.
I love the tippy-toes!

Rachael and her new princess dress.

Christ got a lot of books for Christmas.
And had finished most of them before
the week was done.

The aftermath!

Chris's Harry Potter Lego Quidditch Match.

My budding artist.
Becca got alot of art kits for Christmas and
she loves them all.  Everyday she's willing
to help clear off the table so she can work on
a project.