Christmas Lights

Last night we went and did one of my favorite things to do this time of year ... Go look at Christmas lights!! Jeff and I did it before we had kids and had the best time. Now we go with the kids and have an even better time! In the past we stop at Starbucks for coffee, but this year it was a little warm, so we went and got frozen yogurt instead!

The 2 boys

 After I got done taking their picture, Jack Henry went and sat down in front of the tree waiting for me to take his picture. It was the cutest thing ever!!

 The girls

 Love this guy!

We spent our 8th anniversary with the kids and wouldn't have had it any other way! We are so blessed!

 Jack Henry LOVED the lights! He was ewwing and awwing the entire time. It was adorable! I wish I could get a recording of it!

 Watching the lights blink to the music. 

Asking for "more" lights!

PreK 4 Christmas Brunch

Lydia's preschool had a Christmas brunch on Monday morning. I'm so glad Jeff and I were able to go!

They started the party off by reading a story called "What God Wants For Christmas". It's a very cute little book that reminds you that what God really wants for Christmas is you. He doesn't care about all the presents, shopping, food and craziness ... He just wants you.

After the story, Santa came out ... Lydia froze! She didn't know what to do or think!

Love this look ...

I was scared that she wouldn't sit on his lap, but she slowly went up there and sat down. 

And I got this sweet smile on camera! Yay!!

She's keeping her eye on him. =)

Singing their Christmas songs for all the parents. They were so cute!

One tired little girl with her Daddy

Love my girl!

Love being able to go and do special things at school with her. Love seeing how excited she gets when we show up. =)

Eating her yummy brunch which mainly consisted of donut holes ... go figure!

Lydia was staying for Lunch Box Kids, so Jeff and I ran a couple of errands and had a yummy sushi lunch as an early anniversary date! 

Colclasure Christmas

After a fun weekend in Searcy, we headed to have Christmas with the Colclasure clan. 

Cute Cousins

Jack Henry, Kate and Lydia

After a yummy dinner it was time for the kiddos to open presents. Of course Lydia was the only one that was really excited about it! Jack Henry and Kate aren't quite sure what all the craziness and excitement is all about. Next year will be a different story I'm sure! =)

Opening up their new books!

Lydia all decorated with the bows from her presents.

Jack Henry with his new "ipod".

Lydia petting Molly. She was so funny about her!

It didn't take her long to sit down and read her book. She LOVES to read and loves getting new books.

We had so much fun seeing everyone and so thankful we were able to get together. LOVE this time of year!

Christmas at Granna's

While we were in Searcy for Craig's graduation, we decided to do Christmas with Mom so things wouldn't be so crazy after Christmas. We had so much fun being together!

All we are missing is Brisco!

Eden and Lydia loved watching The Polar Express with Aunt Tiffy!

Jack Henry is SO excited about Christmas!

Me and my serious face little guy.

Me and my boys! Blessed!

Jack Henry isn't very interested in opening presents. He's just a tad bit too busy! Oh well! 

Lydia and her new game! We can't wait to play it!

Craig and Tiffany got us a wooden sign with "Hall" on it. Lydia was so excited about it! She ran over and gave them the biggest hugs. It was so cute! Who would have thought she would have been so happy over a sign!

Crazy girls posing with their super hero capes and hair bows!

Sweet and Sassy

Santa's Keys

Seventeen years ago (Christmas of 1995 to be exact), my brother, Craig, received the most awesome gift ever ...  Santa's keys. They were keys to Santa's Toy Shop, Rudolph's stall and several other things around the North Pole. They were wrapped and hidden underneath all the other presents under the tree. We thought that the girls might like to see these keys after getting their special magical pajamas from the North Pole.

The pictures don't really need captions ... Love how they are looking and listening so intensely. They were hanging on every word that he said and were so mesmerized!

We try to focus on Jesus and His birth and make sure that our kids know that He is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. It's not about presents and Santa, but it's so fun to see Christmas through their eyes.  I have so many fun memories of Christmas growing up and I want our kids to have the same memories when they get older. 

Pajama Elves

My mom started a new tradition with the grandkids this year with a book that just came out called "The Pajama Elves". It is the cutest little book about elves that make magical pajamas that help you stay asleep while Santa is at your house delivering toys. She bought each set of grandkids a book and then matching pajamas for them. It's been so much fun!

Books under the tree waiting to be discovered ...

They found them!!

Granna reading the book that explains all about the elves and their special job.

Pajamas all wrapped up and ready for delivery ...

Brisco's were already on their way to Michigan. Wish I had gotten a picture before they were mailed. Oh well ... next year!

Special Delivery!!

The next few pictures are after the girls read that the box was from the Pajama Elves. As you can tell, they were just a little bit excited!! 

They had us laughing so hard!! Never did we imagine they would react the way that they did!! It was so fun watching them.

Trying to tear into the box!

Wow ... they have our name on them!

Everyone (except Jack Henry, who got away!) opening their special pajamas.

Jack Henry was so excited he was dancing!

Sweet girls in their pajamas!

Are they not the cutest?!

The group picture in the pajamas didn't quite work! Oh well!