Christmas at Grampa's house

After Christmas morning at our home, Noah, Jax, and I traveled to Grampa's house for a Christmas celebration with more family. Daddy ended up getting the fever the boys had on Christmas Eve so he stayed home and rested. 
The boys had fun riding on Grampa's tractor and playing on his farm.  It's always so special to have special time with my dad and my sisters.  Merry Christmas.

Christmas with Grampa

Christmas Day 2013-
I just love these pictures.  Noah, Jax, and Grampa went out for a walk to feed Grampa's cows.  I just love the sweetness of these pictures. 
Merry Christmas!

 The boys woke up to find themselves surrounded by a LOT of presents! Santa had come! Noah and Jackson each got a new bicycle as well as these cool batman riding wheels.  They got trains, dinosaurs, books, clothes...and more. These boys are blessed!

December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!

Thank goodness we have an open floor plan, so the boys could try out their new wheels early Christmas morning!

Visiting Santa 2013

This year, we avoided the long lines at the mall and had a visit with Santa at Fresh...right across the street. Jackson now knows who Santa is, and talked all about going to see Santa...but as soon as this 3 year old got near the jolly fella, he started screaming and reaching for Mommy! Noah (5) was an old pro...but always has been. Jackson is another story! Sorry for the trauma, sweetie! We got our picture and ran out!!

Judge Clark's Christamas Party

Judge Clark's Christmas party 2013-
Noah was my date this year to Judge Clark's Christmas party. We saw lots of our friends there, and only broke ONE of Judge's many nutcrackers.  Yikes. She was gracious and didn't seem to mind! Noah looked so cute in his outfit. He was a hit, as always!

Snow on Christmas Day 2012

Christmas tree on Christmas morning 2012

The boys also got a big wheel and a play kitchen...and lots of other toys!

Santa brought Noah a new bike

Santa brought Jackson a fancy tricycle

Our Christmas Tree Christmas Morning 2012~

 

Santa came! My children are NOTORIOUS for waking up early just about every day...like 5 or 6 am early.  So Daddy & I were AMAZED that the boys SLEPT IN on Christmas morning. Jackson woke up at 7 and Noah woke up at 8:30...which is the latest he has EVER slept in his life! The good news is that I was able to take pictures of the tree in the light before being demolished by toys...as well as pictures of the boys seeing the tree for the first time after Santa had come! Merry Christmas my boys! Mama loves you!

Christmas tree ready

Santa was VERY busy at our house this year! My boys have been GOOD!
I didn't want to wake the boys by turning on all the lights after Santa came, so I just snapped these pix with my iPhone at about 2 am Christmas morning...when all was set up.  (So forgive the poor quality!) But Santa sure tried to create a little Christmas magic for Noah & Jackson.

Merry Christmas!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Christmas with The Carliles, Grammie, & McBrides

CHRISTMAS 2012 with the Carliles, Grammie, & Paw Paw
Christmas is SO much more wonderful when spent with family.  Sometimes, the sad truth, is that divorce can cause a big family split...particularly on the kids...particularly at Christmas.  I'm so proud that Michael's parents have been able to put the past behind them enough to where we can spend the holiday TOGETHER as ONE BIG FAMILY!
I don't know if they realize it or not, but this is a HUGE blessing for their kids and grandkids.  Families change and grow, and it's our job to try to adapt to the changes and growth...while REMAINING connected.  I'm happy to report that Christmas with the whole family was a success! Just not long ago, I entitled my previous Christmas post "Epic Christmas," because I didn't know if it would happen again...or if it was a one-time, epic occurrance.  I'm happy to report that it was not a one time event. Particularly with all the travel that families have to do at Christmas, this makes it easier for everyone!
I made Paw Paw, Rebekah, and Michael a memory book of our trip to Uncle Buddy's house this year.  They seemed to like it.  We called Uncle Buddy all together because his birthday was the day of our get together. That was a real treat! I'm always amazed at how much everyone changes in the few months that go by between our visits! Sam talks like a MAN now! It blows my mind! Lucas is such a grown-up gentleman. And Alice, well...she is the spice of the family! Love that little girl! I think it's special for Paw Paw and Grammie to have all their kids and grandkids in the same place to celebrate the holiday, as well!  I always wish we had more time for our visits...but holidays require lots of travel for everyone. I'm just thankful for this Christmas blessing...of family.
Love you ALL!