Merry Christmas

The kids woke up excited to check out their new stuff.  They were so happy to see new toys and clothes.  Ridley's favorite item was her doll house.  Ryland's favorite item was his new bike, and Reed's favorite item was the foosball table.  

We were lazy all day and just played around the house.  We had birthday cake and sang happy birthday to Jesus, since He is the reason for the season.

Christmas Eve

We enjoyed an amazing Christmas Eve service at White's Chapel.  The message of joy, love, and peace spoke to our hearts, and the children really liked the parachute candy and the snow machines at the end of service.

Before we could go to bed, we sprinkled the reindeer food across the front yard.  Hopefully they like glitter and oatmeal.  

Santa knew just what to bring the kiddos.  Bikes, dollhouse, foosball table, Shopkins, and lots of Under Armour!

Eggs for Friends

I love our precious pre-school.  There is a tradition of sweet little gifts around the holidays.  I have always enjoyed preparing something with the kiddos to share with their friends.  As we were tying up the chalk eggs and attaching the tags, it hits me that this is the last go around for Reed.  I can't believe that his time at Chapel Hill is almost over.  So bittersweet!

Christmas Day

Our three littles were up bright and early ready to explore the goodies that Santa dropped off.  The boys didn't make it past the entry way most of the day, because there was just way too much fun packed under the tree.

Ridley loved her new Elsa dress and wanted it on right away.  She added a little flair with her pajama under clothes.  "Let It Go"

Princess Elsa enjoyed playing with her new Beanie Boos and fairy suitcase. 

After several hours of playing with all the toys Santa left, the boys opened their suitcases to find - WADERS!  They were thrilled!  They put them on immediately and tested them in the pool. They stayed warm and dry, so the boys are ready to try them at the hunting camp.

We also celebrated Jesus' birthday with a cake and the happy birthday song.

Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve service is our favorite church service of the year.  It is so magical and special.  There is something about the combination of the story of Jesus' birth and singing Silent Night while passing candlelight to those you love.  

It also is one of the rare times we are all dressed "fancy". 

Christmas Eve

Our family traditions continued with a full day of activities.  We decided that Santa would like chocolate chip cookies this year, so we baked a batch of cookies in the morning to start our day.  I have to admit that a little cookie dough is an excellent way to get your day going.  The boys got a bit silly as well.

The afternoon was pretty lazy, just a bit of playing toys and puzzles.  We put on our "handsome" clothes for Christmas Eve candlelight service at church.  This is what really gets John Chris and myself in the mood.  It was a beautiful service.  Ryland fell asleep on one side and slept through the entire service.  He was so comfortable, he kicked his feet up on the sweet lady sitting beside me.  She was a trouper and simply placed her hands on top of his legs to keep them in her lap.  Reed made it almost to the end of service before he fell asleep on the other side of me.  As I sat with both of my sweeties peacefully resting on either side, I was overcome with emotions.  Couple that with the pregnancy hormones and the beautiful music, and I quickly turned into an emotional mess.  

We came home for dinner and put out some reindeer food in the front yard.  The boys sprinkled the glittery food and laughed with sheer joy.  They picked out a few chewy cookies and a glass of chocolate milk for Santa to enjoy.

Santa brought a bunch of fun toys and goodies for the boys.  We can't wait to see how the boys react in the morning.  

Jesus is born

Reed and Ryland had these precious pictures taken at Chapel Hill as part of the celebration of Jesus.  They both dressed up and held baby Jesus before laying him in a manger.  

Birthday Party for Jesus

A new family tradition for Christmas is having a birthday party for Jesus. After we finished lunch, we enjoyed bright colorful cupcakes and sang Happy Birthday. It was a great way to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday and remind us why we celebrate Christmas.