Each of the classes sang a few songs and then the whole group sang together. This is the whole group. You can tell from her smile that Bella was having a blast.
Later in the service, the kids reenacted the Christmas story. Bella was an angel. 
And she loved it! 
After the service, Christmas festivities continued. A group of us drove to Bethlehem, PA for the Christmas Vespers service. It was a lovely evening, but we didn't get back home until around 10 pm. I ended up falling asleep for the night while I was putting Bella to bed. That is why there was no blog post last night. Ever since her birthday, Bella has been in the gift mood. We told her that there would be no more gifts to open until Christmas. Did that stop her? Absolutely not. She wrapped up a bunch of her and Graydon's toys in some blankets and put them under the tree. They "unwrapped" them right after they woke up this morning.
I realize that this blog has been picture heavy on Bella lately. The reason is, I just don't have many good shots of Graydon these days. He's in that difficult-to-photo stage where he doesn't sit still nor pay attention to me when I'm trying to take his picture. So this is what we end up with. . .
We did manage to get a good 11-month picture. . . though we had to work for this one. And he would not let go of that straw. We tried. He screamed. We gave it back. 
Bella and I had dental check-ups today and I am happy to say that we are both cavity-free! Bella was such a brave girl. She went back all by herself while I had my cleaning. She left the office so proud of herself and really excited by the goodie bag filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, bouncy ball, and sticker.Tonight, we all enjoyed cups of hot cocoa while watching "A Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol". I love that movie. And I love simple ways to soak in the season.
