Christmas Eve

The stockings are hung.   The presents are under the tree.   There are 4 children running around, screaming,  jumping because they can't wait to open those gifts.   They can't wait one more moment longer.   No they don't want to eat dinner.   No, they don't want to enjoy a cup of coffee.  Come on Mom.  Come on Mom.   It's time to open presents.

The boys pass out everyone's gifts.   They count to see who has more.   They wait as patiently as they possibly can as each person opens a gift.   They are so excited.   Gracie even understands it all this year and she can't wait to open her gifts.

Each gift was something new and exciting.  We are so very blessed on this Christmas and each day!

Gracie started opening her gifts and she was so excited she jumped around screaming.   She got a Doc Stuffins purse with "flip floss" in it (lip gloss).   She just couldn't contain her excitement.

After presents were unwrapped and wrapping paper is stuffed in giant garbage bags, we had time to play.   Here are some of our favorite things from this Christmas.

Grammy and Gramps bought us a very special music box this year.  Gracie and Grammy had so much fun listening to the music and watching the wheel turn.

A picture of Gabe's first deer.  An awesome moment to be remembered.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Polar Xpress

Christmas was quickly arriving.   School ended and the boys started counting down the days until Grammy and Gramps arrived from Buffalo.   The days seemed to go so slowly for the boys as they waited for the big day.    Owen liked to pass the time by counting all the gifts under the tree and shaking each package.   Gabriel liked to shop for everyone and he took all his money to the school store and picked everyone out a very thoughtful gift.   Grace and Eli dreamed of getting their Mickey and Minnie Mouse watching Micky Mouse Clubhouse every chance they got.

We had a big adventure planned for the kids a couple days before Christmas and everyone was excited.   We were headed to Flag Staff to board The North Pole Express.   We were going to visit Santa's workshop and see how everything works.   We were even told that Santa would be there.  

We waited patiently in line awaiting our turn to hop on the bus.

Once we were inside Santa's workshop we helped the elves make toys, ate cookies in Mrs. Claus's kitchen, and watched them wrap all the gifts.

 Eli was mesmerized by all of Santa's machines and gadgets.   He studied everything very carefully trying to figure out how it all worked.

We even got a chance to meet Santa Claus and tell him exactly what we wanted for Christmas.   Eli and Gabe went right up to talk with him but, Eli was a little shy so I asked Owen to come up with Eli.  Eli and Owen were both sitting on Santa's lap and I saw Owen put his hand up to Santas beard to see if it was real.  Santa noticed also and gave a big chuckle.   He told Owen that he could give the beard a big tug if he wanted.   Owen shyly tugged on Santa's beard and seemed very satisfied that yes this indeed was the real Santa.    

We all had a very magical night visiting Santa and his workshop.

Xmas card fun

Every year we need a picture to send out on the Xmas card.    It's always a very stressful event.   Just trying to get all four children looking at the camera and smiling.   Getting the background and lighting just right.    This year we went out back by the pool to spread a little Christmas cheer.   Looking back now these pictures are so cute.   I love them and I'm so glad we took the time to capture this moment out in our backyard.
 

Santa and Cookies

We had to go meet Santa.   Eli and Grace wanted to sit on Santa's lap and ask for a present.  We arrived to the club house and Eli was excited when it was his turn to sit on Santa's lap.

Eli satn on Santa's lap and asked him for a big red bell.   He was really excited when Santa gave him a jingle bell to take home with him.

Then, it was Grace's turn.    jShe looked at me in pure horror and held onto me for dear life.   There was no way she was going to climb up on that stranger's lap and ask for a gift.   So, we skipped the Santa part and headed straight or the cookies.

Before Eli left the clubhouse he wanted to make sure that Santa knew what everyone wanted for Christmas.  So right before we left he was able to tell Santa what his sister and brothers wanted.

Gabriel:  A computer

Owen:  A Kindle Fire HDX

Eli:  A red bell and Mickey Mouse

Grace:  Minnie Mouse

When we got home it was time for some crafts.   So, we got out the sticker nativity scenes and some hot chocolate and worked together making Bethlehem.

Now we were ready for Christmas