Christmas Day

Christmas Day... one of the most highly anticipated days of the year!   I hope that no mater how old my children get that there will always be wonder and excitement that surround that day for so many reasons.  I still remember barely being able to go to sleep when I was young because I was so excited to see what Santa left us for Christmas morning and I remember being crazy excited about the gifts that he left!  I love seeing the wonder and excitement and sheer joy on their faces Christmas morning.  I can only imagine that our heavenly father felt those same feelings as he watched Mary and Joseph on that first Christmas morning as the held tight to the greatest gift this world has ever known.  May my children always remember that Christmas is a time of miracles and the impossible...I mean, using a baby to save the world is pretty miraculous and among those things man would think "impossible"!  Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas!

 Several years ago, we decided that since the wisemen brought Jesus 3 gifts.... Santa would bring the boys three gifts too! (I'm sure they will be the first to tell you that mommy decided this! LOL)

Santa for Nate:  LeBron Shoes/Socks & IPod and Book 

Santa for Ben:  Bike, Army Toys and Kindle Fire

Santa for Zac:  Skylander, Army Toys and IPod

I think the IPods and the Kindle Fire were the biggest hit 

and biggest surprise from Santa!

It was a very laid back Christmas day just spent hanging out with the boys and playing with all of the new toys!  Nana and Papa Doc came up later that day to see what all Santa had left behind and to eat some yummy food & have a birthday celebration for Jesus!  No snow to deal with this Christmas so it was a very relaxing and wonderful day!

It has been a wonderful Christmas season; exhausting but nothing short of perfect!

Christmas with our Families

We are so blessed to have such wonderful families!  The week before Christmas we had our first family Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa and we had a wonderful time!  Yummy food, good conversation, and of course presents! Ben LOVED his easel and the boys loved their books and games! We enjoyed this time with George and Judy and are so blessed to have them in our lives!

The next family celebration took place at Nana and Papa Doc's house right before Christmas!  We look forward to this celebration every year because not only does it mean good food, presents but also some cousin time!  The kiddos enjoy every opportunity that they have to hang out with Molly and Matthew!  Molly had Ben playing house in no time and the big boys spent most of their time playing various types of ball!  Of course, Nana always out does herself keeping us fed with yummy food.... complete with a Christmas dinner!

Sweet "Aunt Ashleigh" even made the trip down for a visit with the boys!  Although, I think Jenny and I enjoyed it even more!  We sure do love our Ashleigh!

It was a wonderful Christmas holiday spent with loved ones, eating good food and making lasting memories!  Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Garvan Gardens: Braving the Cold with my Boys

Since the boys were little, we have always loved Garvan Gardens.  I have so many memories of trips that I have made here with my boys exploring the trails and woods!  The boys love the Christmas light display there and we missed going last year!  This year, due to the business of the season, we decided at the last minute to make a quick trip up there the "eve" of Christmas Eve!  Here are a few pics of my crew on that cold night!

Our "Christmassy Day"

Nate's school sang Christmas songs at the State Capitol this year.  I decided to take the blondies out of school so that they could see the Capitol decorated for Christmas and watch Nate sing (or lip sync)!  Before we went to the capitol, the blondies and I went to see my precious Memaw and Papa! Love them so much! They truely are two of a kind!

 Let me just preface this pics by saying, "Nate was TOTALLY excited about singing in public!"  NOT!!

The Capitol was decorated beautifully and the choirs did a  wonderful job! The boys indulged me and posed for some pics before we headed out for lunch.

Next we met Nana and Papa Doc at Chick Filet for some lunch followed by a trip to the new Bass Pro Shop to see Santa and point out items for our Christmas Lists!  The boys had a blast... I mean, who doesn't like to go to Bass Pro to tell Santa what you want for Christmas!

Next Nana and Papa Doc took us all to see the movie Frozen!   I have to say, this is one of my most favorite Disney movies ever!  The boys even enjoyed it... despite the fact it was about princesses and sisters!  Thank goodness for the funny snowman which they really enjoyed!  It was the perfect end to the perfect day of Christmassy activities!