Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve! One of the most wonderful days of the year! The boys have been so excited to open their presents and have their Papa and Nana come over! (Rachel's parents moved to Montgomery on Friday, December 9th.) Bill did a fantastic job of making us some omelets, and I made bacon and croissants to go with it, as well as some special Christmas Eve punch. (Basically a chocolate milk and ice cream mixture.) After a delicious dinner, we opened gifts, watched the movie "The Polar Express", put out reindeer food, read "The Night Before Christmas", set out treats for Santa, and went to bed! It was a busy and fun night! Now it's time to wait for Santa to arrive...

First, dinner with Papa and Nana. And some pretty excited boys.

Next, time to open presents!

 After all the presents have been opened, it's time to put out the reindeer food!

 Daddy reads the boys "The Night Before Christmas" and the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible.

 The boys put out treats for Santa.

What will Santa bring us? We must go to sleep to find out. Although these boys are so excited, it might be a few hours before that happens.

Downtown Montgomery Fun - December 20

On the night of December 20th, we took the boys to see the big Christmas Tree on the state capitol steps. The big star you see on the floor is the spot where Jefferson Davis stood as he was being inaugurated president of the Confederacy in 1861. Pretty cool history!

Christmas Baking - December 18

Every year, Brady and I do some serious baking for our family. This year, we had an assistant, Major! Here are our holiday favorites: Red Velvet Cake balls, Oreo Truffles, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheels, Chocolate Mints, Hershey Kisses Cookies, and TV Snack! (also known as Chex Mix to other families :) )

December 16 - Looking at Christmas Lights

Not too far from our home, is a house whose owners go all out for Christmas lights. This takes a separate trip by itself. December 16th, we went out and explored this amazingly decorated home. Including a visit with Santa! We will do the rest of our light exploring on December 23rd, complete with ice cream!

Brady's Christmas Program and Eli's Living Nativity Scene - Dec 11

Sunday, November 11th, Brady had his school Christmas performance and Eli was a shepherd in our church's live nativity scene. Brady had a singing solo, as well as a speaking part. He did a great job! Eli was a fabulous shepherd and did a great job singing Christmas carols! (Eli is in the back left of the overall nativity scene picture.)

Visiting Santa - December 6th

December 6th, we took the boys to visit Santa at Bass Pro (which is actually a great place to see Santa)! The North Pole at Bass Pro is beautifully decorated and there are a lot of games for the boys to play and so much to see! Major was adorable with Santa. He walked right up to him and hugged him and played with his beard. He asked for a sword and a stuffed animal dragon. Brady asked for a fitbit (a smart watch) and football cards. Eli asked for baseball cards and a new football video game. These boys are so sweet. I love their hearts! After visiting with Santa, we went to Steak and Shake to eat. Hamburgers and milkshakes are a great way to end the night!