This weekend's festivities

We've had a busy weekend! Last night, we went to the Christmas celebration at our church. They had over 250 nativities displayed from around the world as well as wonderful live music. They created a fun "find and seek" for the kids (like find a zebra or a collection of stars or a turtle) that they enjoyed. There was also a children's room where the kids could play with a few nativities and dress up like wise men, shepherds, etc.

Mary.

Today, we went to see Santa in downtown Chandler. It's where we go every year and is a wonderful place to see him--friendly people, short/no lines, great Santa.

Cheese!

Our "official" photo that we received free from the Lion's Club.

The kids told him what they wanted. Megan would like a Christmas doll and toothpaste. Sarah wants a camera and an American Girl doll. Matthew couldn't think of what he wanted so Santa said he would surprise him. However, Matthew remembered after we left that he wanted tools and a toolbox so he's going to write Santa a letter to tell him. I'm sure Santa's surprise would be great, but we don't want to leave these things to chance......

We went to the mall to give the firefighters our toys for their annual toy drive and were able to take a ride on a fire truck. It's another fun tradition!  Sarah sat up front with the rest of us in the back. Matthew didn't want to lose the hat he got from the firefighters (like happened in October at the Hall of Flame), so he held onto it the whole time. My favorite was when the driver turned on the sirens and drove fast and some car, not aware that fire trucks were going around the mall all day long, pulled over to let us by. What obedient citizens!

Megan and Matthew in the truck. (Pictures of U and Sarah didn't turn out.)