Riverbanks Zoo Lights

We love the Zoo!  And it is beautiful at Christmas time.  We went one cold night with our friends the Peyton's to enjoy the lights at the Zoo, the animals (the ones that were out and about), some roasted marshmallows, and Santa Claus!  They had the snow machine going when we arrived and M&M did what they always do; try to catch the snowflakes on their tongue.  Unfortunately the flakes were not made of ice but soap, yuck.

This picture makes me laugh every time I see it.  Michael is waving and Mary Ellen is saluting...so funny!

EmmaLee and Mary Ellen by the jack-in-the-box lights.

All the boys; Andrew and Michael, Crys and Cody....waiting for the girls of course!

The lions were sleeping but we could still see them.

All 4 cute friends;  EmmaLee, Mary Ellen, Michael and Cody.

This was only the second time M&M have braved Santa Claus.  The first time was when they were one and Mary Ellen cried and cried.  They were shy but did a great job this time.

All 4 Thornes with Santa!

Jingle Jam with the Fam

Jingle Jam with the Fam was a super fun night at our church just for families.  What a great way to get in the Christmas spirit!  We sang songs and danced (Mary Ellen's favorite), heard the Christmas story told, did some fun crafts, decorated gingerbread men (Michael's favorite), and took silly pictures. 

Mary Ellen needed no coaxing to be up front when all the singing was happening.  She loves to sing and dance...and apparently be on stage! 

Michael's favorite was decorating and eating the gingerbread men.  That boy loves his food!

Cute little Mary and Joseph.  Fun night for all 4 Thornes to be together and have some Christmas fun!

Hunting with Papa

Seeing this picture just squeezes my heart.  Michael looked so big that afternoon in his orange vest going out scouting with Papa.  Of course, Michael thought he was going "hunting" and was really just excited to go anywhere with Papa by himself.  And he LOVED the orange vest!  He had just returned when I snapped this picture and I had a flash of how his teenage years were going to be.  I continually feel blessed that we live close enough now so that M&M can create these memories with their grandparents!

Fantasy of Lights

Mary Ellen's Dance class was asked to perform at Swan Lake's Fantasy of Lights this year.  She was so excited to wear her Christmas colors and ballet shoes and show everyone what she's learned this year.  It was cold night but we walked to the performance area and took in all the beautiful lights on the way.

She did a great job as usual...watching Ms. Jill down front like a hawk to make sure she got everything right.  I must say it is quite entertaining to watch 3 and 4 year olds dance.  Sometimes they are cute as can be and then they get distracted and just stop, lol!  The songs and routines were cute though, and the crowd seemed to enjoy it.  So proud of my little girl!

M&M loved the lights and wanted to have a picture by Santa in the JD tractor!  All-in-all it was a great way to spend an evening together as a family to get us into the Christmas spirit!