Christmas Eve

 This is the first year we've been on our own for Christmas Eve, and the boys wanted to start it out right.

I have to admit, I've never been swimming on Christmas Eve before... but it was definitely a great idea.

 (Trying to take more timed shots this year, so that I can be in more photos. Turns out trying to run, jump in a pool, and pose in 10 seconds isn't as easy as it looks.)

These two boys are natural swimmers.

We came home and we opened up our Christmas Jammas. Bridger was so excited that he was trying to put them on over his clothes.

 Then we headed out to check out the Christmas lights. This house has its own radio station, and the lights are synchronized with the music. It was amazing.

 Finally, we came home, wrote letters to Santa and made candy cane cookies to leave for him.

Oh, and we watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer...cause it isn't Christmas without it.

Porter needed help with the letter, but he did a good job writing and coloring pictures. The letter says, 

"Dear Santa, Ho Ho Ho. This year I would like a Lightning McQueen Car. Thank you, Porter"

At the bottom are pictures of Lightning and Sally.

It's been such a fun holiday season with these little boys. I don't know who's more excited for tomorrow... me or them.

same conversation, every day

We've tried to find out what Porter wants Santa to bring him... but conversations are difficult with this kid.


Me: "Porter, is Santa coming?"
P: "Okay!!"
Me: "What is he going to bring you?"
P: "Bring you?"
Me: "Yeah, he's going to bring you presents! What do you want him to bring you?"
P: "Bring?..... Presents!!"
Me: "Yes, he'll bring you presents! What do you want the presents to be?"
P: "Presents to be?"
Me: "Yes, what do you want your presents to be?"
P: "Bring presents from Santa!"
Me: "Yes, Santa will bring you presents. And when you open the present what do you want to find inside?"
P: "I find inside?"
Me: "Yep, what do you want to see when you open your presents"
P: "..........................one present"
Me: "You want one present?"
P: "Okay!"
Me: "Okay, and when you open that one present, what do you want to find inside?"
P: ".............................two presents?"
Me: "Okay." (said with an acceptance of defeat)

I guess I should be grateful he's not picky.
After days of this repeated questioning we finally got an answer; a Lightening McQueen car and a train.

I'm sure Santa will not disappoint.

simplify

This year I wanted a more simple Christmas. I've been working so much, and Kyle's been so busy with school that I just wanted us to enjoy our time together and celebrate the season. The solution was to simplify it. Take everything stressful about the season and simplify it.

And I've done well so far.

Our annual chopping down of the Christmas tree was a 4 hour affair, 3 3/4 hours were spent stuck in the snow, but it took exactly 15 minutes to find the tree. I don't think I've ever decided on anything in 15 minutes. See... simple. It may have had to be simple (sun was setting and didn't have more time), but it was simple.

The tree isn't enormous like last year. This tree was much smaller, but it's perfect, and it's up and it's lit. Simple.

We did all of our shopping in one day. One day. It's all finished and it's being shipped. I don't have to worry about any more shopping. Simple.

Our annual kick-off was perfect. We decorated the tree and undecorated the tree (ie. Bridger) and redecorated the tree. We watched movies and ate yummy food (my Gramma's glazed ham and dutch potatoes) and enjoyed the evening together.

I love this time of year. I love the people I get to spend it with. Plain and simple.

Thanksgiving

 A lot of food.

A lot of family.

 A lot to be thankful for.