Alabama Christmas

The day after Christmas we headed to Alabama to visit family. I am not sure if I got any other pictures except the ones that I snapped at Cracker Barrel while we were waiting on our breakfast. We, as always, had a great time. Thanks to Sean, Erika, and Sawyer for hosting.

More Memories from Christmas 2011

Christmas Morning 2011

Christmas was really fun this year. Jackson really liked his gifts and showed excitement over every little thing. His favorite gift from us was probably a Batman Geotrax set, or his Mater scooter. Claire is still too little to really care a whole lot, but liked a little Elmo purse we bought for her to play with. We opened our gifts at home, then headed to my parent's house, Blake's grandmother's house, and then the fire hall to see Opem Brad.

Christmas Eve

We went to church with my parents on Christmas Eve. Our little family went up to the altar with my parents to light the Advent candle. The children were so good during all of that! Blake and his dad sang, and it was perfect. Jackson did decide to go up to the front and stand with them, and then come down, and then go back up and stand again during the songs, which is very our of character for him. We went back to my parents house for a get together, and then went home to get ready for Santa. Jack put out his reindeer food for Ruldolph, and set our cookies for Santa. Lady ate them before I got a good picture. So fun watching Christmas through the eyes of a child.

Christmas with Nandee and Pop

We celebrated Christmas with Blake's family on Christmas Eve morning. We have done this the past two years, and I LOVE that we have ample time to spend with both families. We got to Donnie and Darla's around 9:00 and stayed until late afternoon. We ate breakfast, and then opened presents. Donnie read the Christmas story, and Jack played with his new toys. He loved his Batman costume, and a set to go with his Batman Geotrax set. Claire got an American Girl Doll (Kit), that Donnie and Darla bought for her at the American Girl Doll Store in Boston. I know she will treasure that in the years to come. We had a great Christmas...full of surprises! :) Brad and Lydia announced that they will become parents in August! We are so excited for them, and can't wait to meet our new niece or nephew!!

Christmas with the Freemans

This year we celebrated Christmas with the Freeman's at Melissa's house. I made these Pinterest inspired snacks to go along with our greedy Santa game.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Claire this Christmas. This was the first present she got to open. I asked her if she needed help, this is "the look" I got. She is a mess!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas....

Flop was hanging out in the Christmas tree this morning.

Tonight, we read Luke 1:26-38.

37 Nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I serve the Lord," Mary answered. "May it happen to me just as you said it would." Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:37, 38

We talked about the angel, Gabriel, and how the angel told Mary that she was going to have a baby, and His name would be Jesus. I got super excited tonight, because Jackson said, "Hey, mom, that was the same angel that told that other guy he was going to have that baby, and then he said no, and God put all those bubbles in his mouth so he couldn't say anything." Although Zechariah did not have bubbles in his mouth, I was excited that he remembered all of that from Saturday's lesson!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas: Sunday Snapshots

Our Elf, Flop, came to visit us. We had a welcome breakfast for him, complete with donut holes and chocolate milk. And new Christmas pajamas!

He was our centerpiece on the table for his grand entrance.

And, last night our church put on a Christmas concert. It was awesome!!! I know everyone worked so hard,and it totally showed. The music was fantastic. We have so many anointed, talented, and gifted people at our church. But most importantly, I was reminded again of what this season is all about. HIM! Happy Birthday, Jesus!