Sledding!

Need I say more?

The long awaited Christmas Day!

What kid doesn't love Christmas? My kids are no exception and this year was especially fun because Nathan was 100% in on the action and excitement this year as well. We began the Christmas season on the day after Thanksgiving by putting up our Christmas tree. It's become a tradition, really, that Andy stays with us during the week of Thanksgiving (while Nana and Poppy are in Florida) and he is always here to help put up the tree. He was a good sport this year and braved the cold with me while we hung up the outdoor Christmas lights together, too.

We started a new tradition this year, called Elf on the Shelf. Essentially what happens is we read a book about Santa's elf and then next morning, the elf has appeared at our house and is sitting safely (up high) where he can watch over the kids during the day, then report back to Santa at night. Every morning was a race between the kids to see who could find the elf first. They named our elf Max and they absolutely LOVED him. It made the season even more exciting for them to have their very own elf here watching over them. On Christmas Eve, we said goodbye to Max, because he flies back to the north pole, until next year...

See beloved Max up there?

The Christmas season wouldn't be complete without a visit on Santa's lap. Madison had a whole list of gift ideas for him ready to rattle off as soon as she was in his presence. Nathan, on the other hand, while very excited to see and talk to Santa, got a little shy when it was his turn, but he did tell Santa his wishes (while holding my hand) and received a bonus lolipop from the big guy afterwards. (no picture available b/c I'm too lazy to scan!)

Christmas Eve was spent with Scott's family at our house. We had a big dinner and opened gifts, then later in the evening once everyone left, we made super special cookies for Santa, took baths, read Christmas stories and went to bed SO excited to see what Santa would be bringing!



On Christmas morning, the kids came running into our bedroom screaming to go downstairs. We try to halt them as long as we can, but it's a futile attempt and we always end up losing! After checking out the goods in our stockings (and checking out the cookie mess that Santa left behind), the kids were allowed to see the Christmas tree. Surprisingly, they managed to run through the house, dodging corners, to get to the tree, without falling down. Christmas has a whole new meaning when you're a parent watching the excitement in your kids eyes on Christmas morning....excitment that I clearly remember having as a child myself!





On Christmas afternoon, we went to Nana and Poppy's to celebrate Christmas with my family. Having all the kids together is always so much fun and makes me appreciate family even more!