Merry Christmas!

We had a WONDERFUL time celebrating Christmas this year! We started our celebration on Christmas Eve by going to decorate my grandmother and grandfather's grave. It was a very special time for us and Evan enjoyed helping. Later that afternoon, we went to church and then ate Chinese food with Grammy and Granddaddy. Unfortunately, Evan was not in the mood to worship and had to be taken out of the service early. Carl took him to Grammy and Granddaddy's house to get some of his energy out and to get in a better mood. (I was VERY thankful for that!) Dinner was nice and laid back. We then headed home to read The Night Before Christmas and to get ready ready for Santa.

On Christmas morning, Carl and I got up around 8:00 and were ready to open presents with Evan. Unfortunately, Evan was still sleeping! (We did not want to wake him because he had a been so grumpy at church the night before and we knew he was tired.) He FINALLY woke up at 9:30 and the fun began! Evan came downstairs to find that Santa had come and left lots of presents! After playing with his new basketball and goal and riding his new bike, he wanted to open the rest of the gifts. He was quick to open them all this year, which was lots of fun!

Later in the morning, we headed over to Granddaddy and Grammy's house for more presents and lunch. The Nickels were there and as soon as we got there the present opening began. It was a bit hectic with three small boys opening their presents together, but it was nice to be together. After presents we all ate lunch and then the boys and Emily played with all of the new toys.

We left that afternoon to come home and look for our dogs. (Our gate blew open that morning and they escaped!) Thankfully, they were back home. They were tired and cold, but we were happy to have them back home safe and sound.

Ron came over that evening for our junk food feast. It was nice to sit around and relax! Bonnie Mom and Grandpa also stopped by to see Evan. Evan loved showing them how he could ride his new bike!

On Sunday morning, Carl's family joined us at our house for presents and brunch. Evan was VERY patient and helped pass out the presents and waited his turn to open his gifts. He got a really cool truck from Uncle Teddy and Aunt Rachel and Buzz and Woody for from Grandpa and Bonnie Mom. After opening presents we all enjoyed a delicious brunch. It was a nice and relaxing end to our Christmas celebrations!

Merry Christmas to Great Grammy and Great Granddaddy!



Evan left Santa a special snack of rasins and soup! The reindeer received Cheerios!



Santa must have enjoyed his snack! He left Evan LOTS of gifts!



Evan was so excited to get a big boy bike for Christmas. He rode all around the first floor of the house.



This alphabet game is fun!



Yea! More presents!



The blue airplane was a hit!



Evan was thrilled to receive a big tractor for Christmas!



I think I know what is in here!



It is Stinky the Garbage Truck! Hurray!



I was THRILLED to have a white Christmas!



Caleb had fun unwrapping his gifts.



Jackson was happy to find that his gift was a Buzz Lightyear toy!



Evan liked his new truck from Grammy and Granddaddy!



Emily woke up in time for lunch. She really liked her roll.



This picture is not that great, but I wanted to include one of me and Carl. We had so much fun on Christmas!




After lunch all of the boys took turns jumping from the coffee table to the couch. It was so fun to watch! I STILL can't belive that my dad ENCOURAGES this type of behavior! Things have certainly changed since I was a kid!



We were SO happy that the dogs returned home! (They refused to look at me. I guess they were a bit ashamed with their bad choice to run away!)



Reece felt a bit better later and played with his new toy.



Kaiya had lots of fun on Christmas with her catnip toy!