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!

Eli's 11th Birthday - December 1st

December 1st - Eli's 11th birthday! It is also the day that our elf, Chris, comes back to join us from the North Pole for the Christmas season. Chris started off the morning by bringing pajama pants for each boy, and getting Eli's birthday doughnuts set up for celebration birthday breakfast! After school, Eli brought 3 friends (and one of the friend's little brothers) home for some outside basketball, football, and trading of baseball cards. Bill and I bought 3 packs of cards for each boy, and they took turns opening their cards and trading them with each other. It was so much fun!

Eli is in the middle of his 5th grade year, where he is making all A's, is the top reader in the entire grade, and got the part of Cogsworth the Clock in the school's performance of Beauty and the Beast. He loves God, sports, friends, school, reading, and family. His love language is quality time, and he enjoys spending time with people more than anything. He is very creative and has started making comic strips with the hero "Ultra Eli". He is a leader. A couple of weeks ago, his Bible teacher didn't show up for Bible class. Eli, and his friend Jonah, took it upon themselves to conduct class. They had scripture reading, a lesson, and a prayer and no adults even realized they were in the room by themselves. I am very proud of this boy! Happy 11th birthday, Eli!

 9th picture down (the boys kneeling down in front of the basketball goal): the party guests. From the bottom left: Brady, Eli, Landon Nelson, Major in the back, then Brady Sutton, Jonah Kohring, and Micah Kohring

 Birthday cake picutre: Micah Kohring, Landon Nelson, Eli, Brady Sutton, Jonah Kohring, Brady Moore, and Major