Merry Christmas!! (Beware: Ton's of Pics!)

Wow, Christmas morning started early for us! We always get up early so that we are ready for the kids when they wake up, but this year Grace was the first to get up...she was ready to go a little after 6:00! My mom text me from the opposite side of the house saying that Grace was awake! We quickly got up & got things ready for the fun. We had to wake Luke up, but as soon as we said Santa had come & left some presents he was up & at'em! They were both so excited & the morning passed quickly with lot's of squeals & "it's just what I wanted"!! Grace tore into her things quickly, while Luke was more methodical & took his time. He wanted to play with most toys as soon as he opened them...Buzz Lightyear being the one he couldn't wait for us to get out of the box! Grace asked Santa for a Barbie Jeep & the "Calista" BFC Ink doll. Luke wasn't really specific in what he wanted, but was excited to get a train table from Santa. I'm sure he'll have a list full next year. The entire day was spent playing with new toys & just having a fun time! We played, ate, rested, played some more & had a great day overall!

Reading the letter from Santa...

Showing off her new boots!


Counting his gifts...

I'm thinking he really likes this gift!

Yeah, Buzz Lightyear!!

Such a kid!


Seeing what's in her stocking!

Luke found Lightning McQueen & Mater in his stocking!

Check out that batting stance!

...and they're off!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve is always a fun day! It seems to pass quickly to me now, but I remember as a kid the day seemed to drag by. There are lot's of fun things that we do throughout the day, but I think we have the most fun as the evening goes on and the kids begin to anticipate Santa's arrival! After having cheese dip & tamales (something I've done for as long as I can remember) we take baths & open up one gift. Luke was so excited to discover a few presents under the tree after his bath! He has really gotten into the opening "pesents" part this year! The kiddos got new monkey pj's to wear...we've gotta look good for Christmas morning pics right?! Daddy read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas then we ventured outside to sprinkle some reindeer food on the front yard. I was busy getting Luke down when I remembered that we forgot cookies & milk for Santa (how could I?!). Thankfully, Darren & Grace had taken care of it and then she was off to bed. Luke fell asleep quickly, however, it took Grace a little longer. I can't wait for the years they try to stay awake all night to see if they can spot Santa! So much fun!! After making sure everything was done & ready we were all snug in our beds anxiously awaiting the excitement to come the next morning!

They can hardly contain their excitment!!

I love his expression when he saw there were a few presents under the tree!

New pj's!!!

Grace wanted to leave food for Dasher!

Cookies for Santa!

'Tis the Season...

...for decorating cookies, gingerbread houses & more!

A few days before Christmas I made some cookies for the kids to decorate. Grace loved the icing & Luke was a fan of the sprinkles. They had a fun time & created some unique masterpieces! I think they had more fun eating them!!

Such concentration...

Sprinkles!!!

Their masterpieces!

On Christmas Eve we have a tradition of decorating a gingerbread house. This year the one I bought was already assembled (I was a bit sad), so all we had to do was mix the icing & break open the candy decorations! Grace decorated one side & Luke decorated the other. He wasn't as much of a fan of the decorating because his little fingers got icing on them (he HATES for his hands to get dirty)! He was more content to watch & taste test the candy! Grace did a great job with her side! They were both so proud of their gingerbread house when it was finished!!

I love this face!

Grace's side!

Luke's side!

Tada!!!

So proud of their hardwork!!

Here Comes Suzie Snowflake...

...dressed in her snow white gown...tap, tap, taping on the window pane...to tell you she's in town...


Grace was Suzie Snowflake in this year's St. James Christmas Program. She did such a good job as one of the 3 Suzie's. She was in the middle which gave her a perfect shot at the microphone & she thoroughly enjoyed that spot!! Ha, ha! It was a some what bittersweet time since this was her last time to be in the Christmas program. Next year Luke will be old enough to be a part of it, so that will definitely be fun!

...being silly...

Grace with her teacher, Mrs. Cochran

So Luke wasn't so excited to take a pic with "Suzie"!!