Christmas was wonderful!
We had so much fun doing all sorts of winter activities and sharing presents with each other. We got to do a video chat with all the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins so we felt like we shared a bit of the day with everyone.

We tried our hand again at ice skating.  Ben loved using the ice walker.  Afton was quick to remember her skills on ice, and Cade took a turn scooting around on the ice until we were kicked off by a worried staff member.  Once a year to do that sort of thing is just about right!

Jared and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary.  To commemorate the date, I pulled my wedding dress out of the closet and popped it on.  It fit!  I thought this photo was funny with all the kids hanging on the dress that marked the establishment of our little Stubbs family.

On Christmas eve we had a delicious feast fit for the King.  Afton helped me decorate the table.

After dinner the kids put on a spectacular Christmas pageant and even smiled nice for the camera! Cade was a shepherd.  Ben was Joseph and Afton was Mary.

 Christmas morning came nice and early and the kids had a blast tearing into their gifts.  Everyone got what they wanted; Afton: a doll, Ben: toothless the dragon, Cade: cars.  Jared and I gave each other some much needed clothes.  Then we went sledding!  We are happy to report that even though Jared used Ben as a sled for one of the rides down the hill, there were no injuries.  Tears, of course.  But nothing lasting.

Here is the amazing present Jared's sister Missy made for us.  It is a puppet theater with sock puppets of all of us.  It hangs in a doorway and has already gotten some good use!  In puppet order from left to right: Ben, Jared, Abby, Afton, Cade.

And our first show had to be lip-syncing a Christmas song!  Merry Christmas!!