Santa Clause 2013

Oh Santa, I always have such high hopes for our visits. ;)

We started off strong! We hadn't really talked much about Santa Clause with Crew and Coyt. We enjoy all the traditions of Santa Clause at our house but he isn't our focus during the month so when we were scheduled to meet up with the cousins for our annual Santa pictures I thought I had better prep the Cs. We looked at all the pictures from previous years and they named everyone in them and said over and over "Dats Santa Cause" "I go see Santa Cause". Coyt was even going to ask him for some jelly beans for Christmas. :)

Even we we pulled up they were still chanting about wanting to see "santa cause". He was inside so we snapped a few pictures out by the tree and sled.

 This one ALWAYS smiles for Santa even when he was a wee one!

 A few group shots

 Perfect of course. :)

 Happy Campers!!

That all changed the second we walked in the door suddenly the excitement turned immediately to fear and the boys were hanging on me saying "I not want see Santa" on a loop.

 Here Bigs hold their hands for the picture

 Crew was comforted but Coyt was NOT!!!

 Man down

 Try again...

 Bolting

 Coyt following Mommy!

 I have to give Wyatt props for trying his best! He can relate due to several years of fearing Clause!

That's it - Perfect!! ;) OH MY another year in the books.

 A little stroll down memory lane...

2011

 2012

December Days

We had a great December enjoying all the festivities, opportunities for serving and traditions of Christmas. It was busy despite our best attempts not to let the schedule get too packed, but it was truly a wonderful month celebrating our Savior and enjoying time together with our friends and family.

Here are a few snapshots of the month, in no particular order!

A little painting project one Sat. morning.

The Cs celebrated their REAL birthday and actually turned 3!! It was very low key but a great day.

They opened one present on the real day from Stacey and Wyatt but it was all they needed and they played with their dino cars for days nonstop! Big brothers know just what they will love!

We sipped and saw sweet Kirby!!

Enjoyed the cousins being in town!!

Celebrated at class parties. I promise III was happy just the only picture i took. :)

Made a pioneer cabin, of course. :)

Loved having Christmas trees in our bedrooms!

Read through the advent calendar every day. Wyatt read for us this year, a treat!! And the Cs pretended to read.

The Selfs stopped through town in the way back to big D. It was such a treat to catch up with my beloved Karla and watch our EIGHT kiddos play!!

We hosted the family for dinner. Love Nana checking out the computer game. :)

Bundled up for our first Harris Creek's Lessons and Carols at Common Grounds! 

Made goodies TOGETHER for a bake sale. ;)

Served at Mission Waco Toy Store with the Bigs...I promise Wyatt said Merry Christmas with a smile not this scowl!

Celebrated Caroline's 3rd birthday in style with a PRECIOUS princess tea party.

Purchased our biggest Christmas tree ever...which we LOVED LOVED LOVED all month long!!

Participated with Purdy Girl Parties and the WCS Christmas Market

Celebrated Anai's graduation from Christian Women's Job Corp!!!!!!!!

Transitioned Crew and Coyt from baby beds to big boy beds...or big boy mattresses ;)...beds sill to come. :).

It is probably a good thing we did this amidst such a jam packed month because I hardly had time to grieve the milestone of NO baby beds in my house!! WHAT?!?!?

Played :)

Rang the bell with GP. I mean how could you NOT give to this group. :)

And that is just the stuff I managed to snag a picture of. Looking back at these I really do feel blessed by such a wonderful month. I love the Christmas season and this year December was a particularly blessed month.