Christmas Day!

The boys didn't get to bed until late so they slept in and we were able to get up before them.   

Nate woke first and was excited when I reminded him that Santa had come while he was sleeping.  He was content waiting to open gifts until ET woke up.  ET rolled out of bed around 8:30 am, and went straight for his stocking.


I bought our whole family coordinating stockings with our names stitched on them this year.

ET received a Thor hammer, and an Okee Dokee Microphone.  Nate received a stuffed talking Mickey Mouse, and a Mickey Mouse microphone.

The boys opened their gifts from Jay and I right after their Santa gifts.  We spent the rest of the day playing with new toys and enjoying our time together.  I made a delicious brunch and a turkey dinner with wild rice, mixed vegetables, and a salad.  It was a great day.  I could not be more thankful for my family!!!!

Preparing for Santa...

This year has been especially fun to prepare for Christmas.  ET is remembering traditions from years past, and I absolutely love hearing his requests!  This year his #1 reguest was that I make gingerbread cookies. :)

On Christmas Eve I asked ET if he wanted to set out cookies for Santa.  He was so excited!  He had quite a plan in mind for him.  He told me exactly what he needed from the cupboard to make treats that look like Rudolph (he remembered making these two years ago).

Here was what he set out:

A note from ET and Nate
A glass of Egg Nog
A plate of Rudolph crackers
A balloon tied to the end table for him to get some exercise and play with (just in case he needed a break)
A penil specially wrapped in a piece of paper for a gift
His Yo-Yo he received from an elf earlier in the week (he wanted Santa to see he is taking good care of it)

"Santa I hope you like this present.  Love, Emmett"

December 24th

Being that we celebrated Christmas early with both sides of family we were free to attend church for the first time on Christmas Eve.  Jay played at two services, and we attended the 4:30 candlelit service.  I was so happy we could do this!

After church we headed over to Jay's parents home for Darlyn's traditional meatball dinner.  It was delicious as usual!


Nate is in a t-shirt because he gagged up his jello at dinner.  (As of yet, he has not liked any Jello I have made in the past.)   We teased him that Santa will put Jello in his stocking if he isn't good. :)

The boys with a few of their gifts...

 Silly faces...

 Thank you Darlyn and Bob for a wonderful Christmas Eve together!!!

December 22: Christmas at Aunt Tammy and Uncle Scott's!

We headed for Wisconsin on Saturday morning.  We didn't need to get to Tammy's house until later in the afternoon.  We had fun shopping at Scheel's and the Leine Lodge along the way!

We had another terrific year eating well and catching up.  Unfortunately, this was the first year Mary's family was not able to make it.


Enjoying appetizers before the big feast...

 YUM!  What a feast!

 Enjoying a Christmas cookie!

 We played games until late.  It was a lot of fun!

 The boys in their Christmas jammies...

 Sometimes it is hard for Bob to stop laughing.   Hee hee!

 We got a room at the nearby hotel again.

Thank you Tammy and Scott for another wonderful Christmas together!

December 21: ET's School Program & Our 1st Christmas Celebration

This year Jay and I have 12 days off (including weekends).  Because of the way the holidays fell, we were able to have December 21-January 1 off!  It has been a wonderful break so far!

We started off our break by attending ET's school Christmas program.  ET was so excited to show us what he has been working on, and we were just as excited to watch him!  Jay's parents came to support ET as well.

The kids sang about seven songs.  We were shocked with how many movements and lyrics they had to memorize!

After the program we headed back to his classroom for a craft and snack.  We introduced ourselves to a couple new parents and talked with many others.  Jay and I both feel so happy with where and who ET has been placed with for Kindergarten!  He is with a truly great group of kids!

Friday night we drove to my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jack's house for our 1st Christmas celebration.  Everyone was there except for my sister Twyla's family and Tyler.  We ate the traditional potluck and exchanged gifts while playing the dice game.

Being that the boys are not a part of the adult gift exchange, I brought them a present from Jay and I to open.

 A talking Hulk action figure...

 Nate got a few new wooden trains....

 So proud of this little man...He got up and sang two songs for everyone!!!

 A couple of the newbies had to sing the traditional "We Three Kings."

 This prompted Aunt Nancy to say "it was the best she has ever heard!"  Which then resulted in a redo for the "Oooold Masters!"  Of course, Uncle Rick had to stand on a chair to fit in a little more. :)

BIG NEWS this year:  Stacy and Taylor are engaged!!! Congratulations!!!

December 9: First Big Snow Fall & Church Christmas Program

The day we got our first big snowfall the boys begged to go outside the instant they woke up.  They both played until it was time to go to church.  They never even ate breakfast.

Here are a few adorable pics of ET performing in this years church program.  He said he wants to sign up next year for a speaking part.  Being that I am his Sunday School teacher this year it has been fun to see him practice and prepare for this program.

Visit with Santa

We visited Santa this weekend!  This was the first year Nate did not cry!!!!!  ET asked for a large shooting Thor hammer, and Nate asked for a car (surprise, surprise).