Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Our Family Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas celebration our little family has enjoyed. We traveled to Excelsior Springs to visit our family the weekend before and enjoyed our first Christmas at home this year. I promise (Seth) to post pictures of our Excelsior Springs trip soon, but I have so many pictures I have to do multiple blogs! The picture above is of our jolly, baby boy. How is it possible that he is 6 months old already? What a joy he is. I think I say that over and over on our blog, but it's just so true. There is nothing sweeter.
Christmas eve began with baking sugar cookies. Frosting sugar cookies.
and sampling them of course!
We had a wonderful day at home watching it snow and then enjoyed our church Christmas eve service. Our pastor has a tradition of doing a children's message at this service and Lainey climbed up right next to him. He asked her a few questions and she just gave him a blank stare. I think the microphone made her nervous. She was not about to talk into that thing!
Just after the candlelight Christmas carols. Love that tradition. It reminds me of the Christmas eve services at Pisgah with the drippy candles and the big stockings full of the prettiest candy they would give to all the kids. I love that we are making those same memories for our little ones.
Little Coop looking oh so sophisticated in his hat from Mawny. People were amazed that he left it on the whole service. I think he knew he was looking oh so cute and enjoyed the attention : )
Nothing more fun for this momma than coordinating Christmas outfits.
Oh...and coordinating Christmas jammies
Snuggled up in Daddy and Mommy's bed for our Christmas Eve sleepover. Lainey has started a new fun game of coming into our room every night, in the middle of the night, to "snuggle" and I didn't want her walking through the living room seeing all of her presents before we were up. Hence the sleepover. Have to get a little creative with this 3 year old!
Santa's surprises (and yes, we play Santa! I've had so many people act like I'm crazy this year because we let our kids play Santa. It's just a game people. Relax.)
Checking it all out
Like I said...jolly boy.
The beloved pillow pet. Why couldn't I think of this?
About 4 inches of the fluffiest, powdery snow fell on Christmas eve. Just beautiful.
We couldn't resist getting out in it.
Our Happy Birthday Jesus party

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

December Essentials...

Our annual trip to Eckerts for the perfect tree
A visit with Santa
Tree hunting
Our prettiest tree ever
The nativity to remind us what it's all about.
Stockings hung by the chimney with care
The finished product with a goofy, little girl
Lights on the house
Her first gingerbread house
Our 8th anniversary celebration
Lainey's new favorite
My sweet 6 month old with our favorite story
Snow ball fights
Throwing one at mommy while I take the picture
Coming inside to warm up