Santa Visits Two Bugs

Finally, after counting down for 24 days, it was time for Santa. Jack got up extra early (6:30) to see if Santa visited. Unfortunately, he had to wait on Caroline (we woke her up around 7:15). Ed thought Jack should be able to see his Santa gifts without his sister but I didn't agree. I'm sure next year he will wake her up on his own!

Jack's favorite gift from Santa is his Batman Cave. He will play with it for hours! Caroline's favorite toy seems to be her slide. Since she is such a peanut, she can't quiet do it without some help. So Mom and Dad get a workout helping her continually slide.

After enjoying our morning with just the four of us, my family came over for Christmas brunch and more gifts! Jack and Caroline got to open more gifts from Uncle Jim, Uncle Glenn, Pop Pop, and Cook Cook. Caroline's favorite toy from the Grandparents is her doll stroller. She loves to push it around the house (and so does Jack). Jack's favorite gift from Pop Pop (Cook Cook would never buy this gift) is his two padded swords! My dad knows how much Jack loves to "sword fight" so he bought him some that are truly made to hit one another. Don't worry, Jack is not allowed to play with them unless it is with a grown up. I can see him now beating up one of his friends!

Jack's gifts from Santa
Caroline's gifts from SantaJack playing with the Bat CaveCaroline sliding down her new slideCaroline and her new doll stroller
Uncle Jim and Jack trying out the new swords! Look out Pop Pop!

Christmas Eve Celebration

We headed over to Pop Pop and Cook Cook for our annual Christmas Eve celebration. My parents have been hosting a Family Christmas Eve Party for as long as I can remember. Jack and Caroline enjoyed opening up gifts for Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Caroline enjoyed eating and eating and eating. Why she doesn't gain weight is beyond me!

Caroline and Jack's new blankets from Cook Cook and Pop Pop. They both are laying in my lap on their blankets!

Caroline opening up her new Doll from her Great Grandmother who passed away this past summer. She had bought Caroline and Madison dolls and wanted to make sure they got them at Christmas. Caroline was so excited and kept saying baby baby! I know Maw Maw was so glad that Caroline received her special baby!
The three cousins in their Christmas PJ's before heading home.
Jack setting out cookies that we made and some milk for Santa. The last picture of the night before the Big Man comes!

Happy 3rd Birthday Landon!

Jack and Caroline were both invited to Landon's 3rd Cars Themed Birthday Party. Unfortunately, Caroline was under the weather and did not get to attend. Jack and Mom went to celebrate and had a blast. The party was at Southern Prep. This place was really cool and I think I had as much fun as Jack! Thank you for inviting us and we hope you had a wonderful day!

School Christmas Party

Both Jack and Caroline had their school Christmas Party today. Jack performed some Christmas songs with several other classes in the sanctuary. His favorite song is "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." He actually participated and did a fantastic job. After the performance they had a pizza party and opened up a gift.

Caroline had a wonderful lunch and got to hang out in her class with Mom and Dad. She really loves school and seems to have adjusted quite nicely. Jack opening up his gift from his teachersCaroline hanging out with Ms. MichelleDad and Caroline playing in her classroom.

Pajama Playdate

Today, we headed over to Angie, Dru and Marley's for our last Christmas Playdate. Angie did a wonderful job. The kids got to play, decorate a cookie and open a Christmas gift! Jack received a puppy dog from Build A Bear and Caroline got a personalized doll house. Jack is looking forward to going to the mall on Friday to stuff his puppy. Caroline has been carrying her dollhouse everywhere! Mom and Caroline were not feeling great so I took very few pictures!

Crafternoon

Dana, Thomas and Nicholas invited us over for some play time and Christmas craft. We have enjoyed all of our holiday playdates! Today we made a really cute snowman lantern! The kids also had fun playing and destroying the playroom. Thanks for hosting a fun afternoon!

New Pajamas!

Today, Jack and Caroline received their first Christmas gift from Medgie. If you know Jack, you know he loves loves loves pajamas. He wants to wear them all the time and can never have too many PJs! So Medgie bought the perfect gift . . . matching fuzzy snowman PJ's. I think they both look adorable! Thank you Medgie for the perfect gift and for being such an important part of our lives!

Crafts, Old Friends and Another Visit with Santa

We had a busy week this week! On Monday afternoon, we headed over to Riley and Mattie Lou's house to play and make a Christmas Craft. Jack got to paint and make a special ornament for his tree and a gift for Pop Pop and Cook Cook. The kids also had a great time playing together. Thanks Stephanie for having us over and the cute craft idea!

On Wednesday we headed to my old work place to visit with old friends. It is hard to believe that it has been three years since I've worked. Everyone got to see Jack and Caroline and I got to quickly visit with old friends. Jack was ready to go the minute we got inside!

After that we headed to Olivia and Alex's house for a Christmas playdate. Jack enjoys playing someone elses toys! He really loved playing with Olivia's grandmother. The two of them hit it off! There was also a special visit from St. Nick. Jack sat in his lap and even received gift. Caroline of course screamed and did not want to have anything to do with Santa. Thanks Tara, Olivia and Alex for having us over. A really big Thank You to Santa (aka Randy) for the gift and listening to Jack and Caroline!

Breakfast with Santa - Day 2

Since Dad did not get to go with us yesterday to Breakfast with Santa (he had to work), we took the kids to Marietta Country Club for another Breakfast with Santa! The Breakfast/Brunch was really good! Jack got to decorate his own sugar cookie (he picked out an angel). After breakfast, Jack and Dad got to make a Gingerbread House. It started off with a blank piece of wood and they got to add things to make their special house. It turned out really nice. Notice Rudolph on the roof. Jack thought that was the perfect place for the reindeer.

Then after that was complete we spent some time with Santa. And once again, Caroline did not like Santa. Jack loved him and got to pull on his beard. I believe this is the last time we will see Santa this year. Hopefully, Jack and Caroline will continue to be good and Santa will visit our home on December 25th!


Jack's decorated cookieCaroline showing me her cookie (I'm working on her table manners)!Jack getting ready to begin his project.Jack's finished projectOur visit with Santa (notice Caroline crying)

Breakfast with Santa - Day 1

Today we had breakfast with Santa at Church. Cousin Madison, Aunt Jennifer and Aunt Nan were our special guests. We also sat with Riley and Mattie Lou (my pictures of the kids did not turn out). This is our second year having breakfast with Santa. Jack had a great time. He told Santa what he wanted, ate breakfast and made a Christmas Card for a solider. Caroline loved eating the muffins (she had 4) and spending time with Aunt Nan! However, she did not like Santa!

Cookie Swap Christmas Playdate

Today we had our friends over for a Christmas playdate/cookie swap. We did a breakfast/brunch menu and each mom brought 4 dozen cookies to share with everyone. The kids loved playing with one another and of course enjoyed eating their cookies. Thanks to all who came, we are glad to call you guys friends.

The highlight of the party for Jack was when the power would go out. Our power went out two times and stayed out for about 10 minutes each time. Jack got out his flashlights so that we could see. Of course, once the power came back on, they wanted to turn out the lights.

The group shot of all the kids except for Baby Lucas.
Our special guest Cousin Madison. I could not get all three of them to look at the camera.

Madagascar and Snow Snow Snow!

Yesterday, Jack got to go to his first movie with Daddy. He has been to the movies before but never with Daddy! The three of us went to see Madagascar II. The movie was good and the popcorn, candy and Icee were the hit of the day. Not sure how Jack did not get sick off all the food and candy! What a fun day!

Today when I picked Jack up from school it was snowing. Jack was so excited and said. . . Mom it must be Christmas Day already! It is really going to be along month. He keeps thinking Christmas should be here today!