Christmas 2011 {Part 2}

After we opened presents, we got the kids in bed so Steve and I could have our own present-opening time together. We started the tradition years ago, and I love it. We usually put on some Christmas music and make hot chocolate. It's so nice to have it be just the two of us before the frenzy the next day!

After we were through with our gift exchange, Teal and my mom came to sleep over. My dad was supposed to come too, but he wasn't feeling well. Teal is such a funcle! (a fun uncle) :) He is so great with the kids and loves being around them. We are lucky to have him!

Christmas morning!!!

I love the dumping out of the stocking. I always carefully took one thing out of mine at a time. Maybe it's a boy thing? Hudson got this cool spy watch that you can take pictures and video with!

Oliver's current love is anything Hot Wheels, and Santa brought this cool track that can go on your wall! He was thrilled.

Penelope really got into it all too! She was so excited. I LOVE this picture of her looking so pleased holding her new little leopard and reading her Pretty Pink Purse book. "It's the limit" as Teal would say!

Here are the kids' gingers. Hudson decorated his like Huckle again this year, Ollie slathered his with frosting and sprinkles (just the way I like it!) and they both helped me with Penelope's.

After church we came home and put all the kids down for naps. Later went over to my parent's house. Our brunch/dinner was kind of a bust because we were bringing a few of the main items, and Steve neglected to tell my dad when he called that we wouldn't be over for a while because everyone was asleep. So the food just sat there getting cold while they were waiting for us, and the kids were just snoozing away! Communication is key, people!

Once the food fiasco was over, the boys had fun battling it out with anyone who would play with them.

The Rawlings clan came over to hang out. My cousin Andy loves the kids.

Penelope opened a few more gifts

And that was that!

Merry Christmas to all!!

Christmas 2011 {Part 1}

I'm going to have to do Christmas in two separate posts since I can't figure out how to post more than 20 pictures at a time. Does anyone know how to do that? Sometimes there are too many fun memories to pass up!

Here's Hudson at his Kindergarten Christmas program. School has gotten a lot more P.C. since I was there, and now they're singing about Dreidels and latkes. He was thrilled to spin the Dreidel!

Santa and Mrs. Claus came to Oliver's preschool, and it was a big hit! Here's Ollie (he was very drowsy that day for some reason as you can tell...) with his best friend Cash and his little girly friend Miranda. They are in love and he's sure they're going to marry!

I love this sweet shot of him waiting patiently to decorate his cookie!

As always Alfie, our Christmas Elf paid us a visit. Oliver was very skeptical last year, but was a believer again this year, thank goodness! They boys couldn't wait to see where Alfie would be every morning. He must be able to fly to get all the way up there!!

We decorated gingerbread men to give to our cousins and leave for Santa on Christmas Eve day.

Christmas Eve was spent at Steve's parent's house with all the cousins. We had a fun pizza party! Here they are about to open their bean bag chairs from Grammy and Papa.

Our handsome little devil

Penelope's gift from one of the Raulston kids was this fabulous crown. She will be wearing this a lot, I'm afraid!

Pip and Sloane...the oldest granddaughter and the youngest!

Here are the boys gathered around their precious Beyblade arena. Thanks so much, Raulstons for making their dreams come true!!

This is the best shot I could get of everyone in their Christmas jammies. Aren't they all the cutest?

After the festivities there, we headed home to have our own little gift exchange. This was the first year everyone was old enough to understand and get excited about picking names and buying things for each other (besides Penelope, obviously). It's so much fun having our own little family to start traditions with! They kids were sooooo excited for this part!

Oliver got these cool superhero cars that twist and turn so each car has endless possibilities!

Hudson got another beloved Hero Factory guy. He is loving these things!

Pip got a new bath toy!

I got new jammies (thanks honey!) and Steve got some workout shirts.

Ok---on to Part 2!