Happy Birthday, Jesus

I love Christmas. I love the cookies, the food, the family, the Christmas tree, the music, the presents... It's great. And it's even better experiencing it with my children.

We kicked off the Christmas season by making spritz cookies (can you tell I had help with the sprinkles?)

and then decorating the tree.

Craig raised the star over his head and said he was the tree.

In spite of the fact that I can't get a decent picture of all three kiddos,

They loved having the Christmas tree up,

and I frequently caught them rearranging ornaments or just sitting in awe.

Um, adorable!
We had some other decorations they enjoyed playing with, too.

At least stegosaurus is a herbivore...

Craig and Calista were in the same concert this year,

And both did fantastic.

Oh, kindergartners...
Cooperating for a little pose for me, post-concert.

Well, mostly cooperating.

We are still exploring Edmonton a bit, and decided to try our Candy Cane Lane this year. 

The kiddos walked (or strollered) the whole route.

It was a pretty mild evening, so nobody complained too much about the cold - thank goodness!

It was beautiful and fun. I think we'll try and go again next year.

We'll see if it's warm enough to walk again, or if we decide to drive it...


As always, kiddos had fancy clothes to wear to church before Christmas.

Craig insisted on the hat himself.

Caleb wasn't sure he wanted to sit still to pose.

And this beautiful girl...

All she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth!

I love my little family!


Going to Raymond for Christmas meant lots of time with the big family.

Obviously. It's like, the whole point.

Caleb got lots of snuggly attention.

Aunts are pretty great, right?

Raymond also meant the annual Rasmussen Family Show-thing. Hmm. I should work on the name.

Calista practiced "Silent Night" for months in preparation. It was her first time performing on the piano, ever.

She was incredibly nervous, but did fantastic.

I was so proud of her (and Kyler).


And of course, there was Christmas.

Kiddos all loved their presents.

I mean, in case the dancing wasn't a big enough clue.

Particularly popular were books.

For Calista, this one in particular. The Ultimate Ocean-pedia. It's what she asked Santa for, and the Big Man delivered.

So did The Anna Maund, sending some present money that resulted in hours of Lego fun.
Caleb's favorite present might have been Calista's doll box.

He is not a toy, a promise.


Merry Christmas, and

Happy Birthday, Jesus!