Santa and Snow

On Friday night we went to the ward Christmas party, had dinner, and the girls got to see Santa. (Megan was at a birthday party but she saw the big man last week!) At first Jen didn't want to sit on Santa's lap because she thought she was too big, but Kaylee convinced her otherwise. Sam was super excited to see Santa because this week she has been trying to put together the meaning of Christmas and how Santa fits into all of it. She now understands giving gifts to show love for others like the wisemen did for Jesus, and because Jesus would want us to think of others on his birthday. She then said "So Santa gives gifts like the wise men did?" I told her yes, but that Santa is mostly for fun and the real reason is to celebrate Jesus's Birth. Then this Sunday we got a special Christmas gift. Snow!!!!!!!!! I was as excited as the kids. It was the big, Christmas card picture type snow. Today I wouldn't let the kids go sledding (after all it is still Sunday) but we did take a long walk around the neighborhood with Maggie (who loves the snow), and the girls played a little in our backyard. We have had a great day together doing crafts, puzzles, baking, and of course watching the snow fall. The bad news is that Todd has to drive home in this. :(