Advent

We were busy during advent season this year, once again, preparing our hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth. I was not as faithful in my documentation as I have been in years' past (see posts from 2011 and 2012 for more detail about what we do as a family tradition in the month of December), but here are a few of the highlights!

We visited a live nativity again this year. Here is Luke signing his name on the census.

Petting the sheep and goats in the "field" with the shepherds

His favorite part...seeing Baby Jesus! Luke loved doing this so much he asked us if he could walk through it a second time. Of course we said "yes!".

Making a gingerbread house. This was our first year trying this, and we had a ball! We were glad that Uncle Justin was here that night to join us in the festivities!

Goofy boy with the finished product. Not too bad!

We visited "Jolly Days" at the Children's Museum, where Luke enjoyed all the winter-themed activities, including sliding down the huge Yule Slide (much taller than the one pictured here!).

We also visited the nursing home again. Luke and Jack put on quite the show this year! I was so proud of Luke and the love he showed for the people there. We passed out flowers, sang carols, and gave hugs.

At one point, Luke asked if he could sing a song he made up. I knew the people would think it was cute no matter what, so I said sure. Here are the words he sang, as he played his little drum:
"Kings have come, kings have come, kings have come
to Jesus"
It was so beautiful!

Jesus' birthday cupcakes on Christmas day!