The Mendenhalls: Christmas 2015

Christmas was a wonderful time! I think this was the first year that Claire really understood what was going on. She was very excited to put up the Christmas tree and to see the light on our house. She really loved Christmas music and learned a lot of songs. She was actually really good at knowing the words to quite a few Christmas songs. We tried to tell her we have Christmas to celebrate baby Jesus, and she seemed to get that, but she was really excited for Santa. Lily was her usually happy self and had no clue what was going on, but she did enjoy the ornaments on the Christmas tree. Most of them ended up higher on the tree and out of her reach.

Claire was pleased with where she put all the ornaments.

On December 3rd we went downtown to see the Christmas lights with my family. We met at the City Creek food court and ate before we walked around and saw the lights.

Kristen found these great coats on sale and got one for each of us. Now we can match in the winter. I wear my coat all the time.

Sisters at the City Creek fountain.

One day at my parents' house it was a little snowy so Claire, Lily, and Makenna all got to go play for a little bit. There wasn't a lot of snow, but they were entertained anyway. And they didn't last very long outside before they were too cold.

Makenna and Claire in their apron dresses with Grandma's shoes and bracelets. They are silly girls!

Here is Lily and Claire before church on Christmas Sunday. Part of the picture got cut off, but I still thought they looked pretty cute!

On Christmas Eve we had our annual party at my Grandpa Wilson's house. They little kids acted out the Nativity. They little girls were excited to be angels.

Christmas morning was pretty exciting. Santa brought a sled, and Claire saw it when she was in the hallway before we went into the living room. She was thrilled and kept saying, "Santa brought me a sled!"

After we opened our presents at home we went to Rusty's parents' house for a Christmas party. Rusty found Lily lounging on the dog.

After that party we went to my parents' house. First there was a party with my mom's side of the family. Then after they left we opened presents with my family.

My parents got the three grandgirls matching pajamas. They were excited for them, but they would not pose for a picture.

Rusty and me on Christmas.

One of the presents that was a big hit from my parents was more plastic food. Claire and Lily especially like the pizza and pizza cutter. We play with the fake food a lot, and the pizza is always first to come out of the food box.

On the day after Christmas we went sledding in my parents' front yard. My dad had a big hill from all the shoveling her did. It was just the right size for Claire, and she got to use the new sled.

Kristen came out in my mom's coat. I thought she was my mom for just a second!

Then Rusty went fast in a circle around the yard. Claire loved it!

Claire then wanted to pull Kristen in the sled. I had to help her out.

This picture is really funny because it looks like my dad is pushing Rusty down the hill like he's a little kid.

Claire buried in the snow.

Claire made this Nativity scene all by herself using her stuffed animals. I guess something we taught her about the true meaning of Christmas did stick.