Pictures Of Christmas

Samuel with Aunt Keely's bears on Christmas Eve.

They both had the same confused expression. :)

After church Elsie was honored with the task of carrying baby Jesus to his manger.

This moment was anticipated for weeks!

Then it was time to set out the cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for his reindeer, before settling in to read Twas the Night Before Christmas together.

Christmas morning came. Elsie was happy with her first gift and could have stopped right there. :)

Samuel's first Christmas, and he was happy to sit and read his books. He stopped to read them right away after opening them.

Trying out Elsie's sled.

We spent the early afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa D.'s, and the latter half of the day at Grandma G. and Rick's. Here's Samuel with his Aunt/Godmother Keely.

Tired Elsie playing with blocks at Grandma and Granpa D.'s.

Sam and Grandma.

Elsie and some of her cousins looking at Ava's new game.

Elsie chose her clothes in this picture because she said they were the coziest. Aunt Sara made her cozy pants. :)

Going fishing with Daddy.

Building cool towers with Daddy.

What do you do when you don't have television? Crawl around in the dark with a light strapped to your head, searching for a missing toy! That's what. ;)

Mess maker

Bigger mess maker

Elsie and Cocoa the kitten.

Double Trouble

Samuel Snatching sister's drink, as she looks on in the background. I smell trouble!

Uh oh!

Samuel talking to the animals. :)

What a smile!

This is the look...

The look I got when I told her it was Christmas Eve! :)

Christmas Eve

One more day until we light the birthday candle. :)

We are ready!

We saw this idea on my sister Jenny's blog. It came out cute and Elsie and Sam love playing with it.

Elsie and her Animals

A collection of dogs....

A few minutes later... a "choo choo train" of animals!

Elsie's Jesse Tree

Elsie has been taking part in the Holy Heroes Advent Adventure. Some of the lessons are beyond her, but she really enjoys getting her emails and watching the videos every day, and she really has learned so much! Her Jesse Tree is coming along very nicely too. :)

Spider Man, and Santa Claus!

Spiderman!

Elsie was so excited to meet the real Santa Claus this afternoon. Who would have thought he shopped at the same grocery store! Samuel on the other hand wasn't as sure as big sis. I didn't have my camera out when Elsie and Santa were joyfully conversing.

"Sam, don't you know who this is!"

He was a jolly and sweet Santa indeed! Great HO HO HO and whiskers; and he showed them a jingle bell from Rudolph so he could call his team back after the visit (Elsie wanted to know where his sleigh and reindeer were). After the usual questions ("Yes, I've been good...a toy puppy; and dump truck for Sam please"), Elsie received a candy cane from the North Pole, Santa re-tied her scarf and wished her well. We all said our goodbyes and wished him a Merry Christmas with safe travels and headed towards the door with Elsie as kaboose. Matt and I looked back when we heard Santa talking and found Elsie and Santa still chatting it up!

Buds. Thanks for the early visit Santa!

Playing with Rudolph at Grandma and Grandpa D.'s

Elsie's Nativity

"See what I made?" :)

Watching Rudolph with Miss Piggy. :)

Reading to "Abby Stace".

Sam "talking" to Daddy on the phone. :)

More Catch Up

Haha, doesn't she look silly? Elsie enjoyed playing out in the snow a couple weeks ago.

Our little guy did too!

It's going to take a LOT of muscle to move that heavy load Elsie! ;)

Sam waiting patiently while his big sis took a turn on his sled.

Elsie bracing herself for a crazy ride. ;)

We made a snowman!

Don't make me come after you Mom!

Last weekend we had a nice visit from my Dad and Glenda (Grandma and Grandpa S.). Here's Grandpa being entertained by the littlest two, Sam and Margie.

Aunt Cassie made it with a friend, and her new puppy, Draka. It was so nice seeing you Cassie (and Draka too!).

p.s. did your friend have her baby?!

We need to get out in the country so Sam and Elsie can have a dog!

Bandit, the "baby magnet". :)

We got to sing happy birthday to Miss Josie....

...and watched her open her gifts.

Samuel couldn't believe it when someone came and placed this gift in HIS lap. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Jenny and Margie saying hello to Grandma S.'s new puppy.

Spooky Boo looked like another Christmas ornament next to that angel!