Christmas Morning

Here are some of the pictures we took on Christmas morning. The kids were so excited. Charles got a bottle of chocolate syrup in his stocking. He was thrilled!! Santa couldn't have gotten him a better present. I wish I had a picture that captured the look on his face when he pulled the bottle out of his stocking. It was priceless.





Handsome boys!!


Merry Christmas!

Our three little angels

Charles on Christmas



Eric with his marshmallow shooter


The boys posing

Katie with Ernie (she LOVES Sesame Street)

Eric and Charles decorated cookies for Santa and left him letters

Christmas

Christmas. One of my favorite holidays. I love everything associated with Christmas. The stories, the music, the decorations, the treats, shopping, making things to give, the kids and their excitement. Our Christmas was great this year. It was one of the best we've had so far. We were able to see all of our family at some point during the week. Our kids had such a good time with their cousins. I made the boys marshmallow shooters and decorated them with paint and stickers. They turned out pretty cool. Dean and I had fun testing them to make sure they worked properly. Thank you to all for your gifts and the time we were able to spend together.

1st Ward Christmas Party

Eric and Charles after the play


Eric kneeling by the baby Jesus

A surprise visit from Santa and his elves!!

Katie getting her candy cane from Santa's elf.

Silent Night

Tonight was our ward Christmas party. It was a fun night out with the family. Dessert and a show. How can you beat that? Eric was a Shepard in the play. He was quite excited to don the Shepard's cloak and carry a cane. Charles was supposed to be a Shepard too, but the minute they put the costume on him he refused. He's so picky about what he wears! It was a nice way to help us remember the birth of Christ and the sacrifices and hardships of Mary and Joseph. Merry Christmas.

Elf on the Shelf

Have you heard of the Elf on the Shelf? The author started this tradition with her family in the seventies and she has since written a book that comes with a stuffed elf. The story is about how Santa sends his elves to check on the boys and girls to see who is naughty and who is nice. Each night mom and dad hide the elf in a different place. Your kids are to believe that he leaves for the North Pole to report to Santa and when he returns he hides in a different place. I think this will be one of our new Christmas traditions. Check out http://www.elfontheshelf.com/ to see more. Visit the North Pole and Hall of Registry. You can find recipes and craft ideas.