wintery walk

Christmas afternoon, Chris and I took the boys to Shelby Farms to go on a hike.  We'd both run the trails on Christmas Eve and seen deer so we were hoping to see deer on the walk...no such luck but it was still lots of fun!

First things first...they always have to find a good walking stick.

Skipping stones

"bear" tracks

Afterwards, we stopped by my parents to grab a bite to eat and by that point the boys needed a restroom break as well.  We loaded back up and headed over to Starry Nights at Shelby Farms.  It has been a few years since we have taken the boys...my parents had taken them the last 2 years.  It was lots of fun...Sam was really into it!  He kept saying, "look ewree-body i finks its a ___  no actually i finks its a ____".   Everybody had to have their windows down so the heat was on high. 

christmas morning

How do you do your Christmas?
We sit "Santa" gifts out and they are unwrapped.  The boys get three gifts from Santa because the wise men brought baby Jesus three gifts.
The boys shop for each other and wrap the gifts for one another. This is really sweet.
Chris and I give the boys a gift from us.
And the stocking goodies are from us not Santa.


Some of the Santa things bug me...I do not prefer to hear parents say "if your good santa will come" or "santa's not coming if you act like that".  REALLY?  Don't use that on your children...just have consistent discipline.  They should not think how must stuff they get on Christmas moring is a reflection of whether they are a good or bad kiddo.  So we don't use Santa to try to make the boys behave.  It's very simple he comes and brings the same number of items...3...every year...because that's what Jesus got! Sorry to rant it's one of my many "soapboxes".



Sam got his OWN skateboard...super exciting!

Legos were a big hit for Tanner and I think Chris too!

My sweet Sam loved the candy...not suprising...this was pre breakfast!

Tanner has been begging for tickets to The Magic School Bus...of course since he wanted to go Sam wanted to go also SO Chris and I gave the boys tickets.  Tanner is thrilled...we have read every book from the library at least 2 times!  It's a "family date"...the show is at 11:00 so maybe lunch after with a trolley ride!

pure joy

pure joy...this is what it is all about
it makes parking and shopping with the crazies worth it


To see the looks on their faces Christmas morning is so precious.  The boys were so excited they could barely contain themselves. 
We have a special tradition...each year before the boys rip through the stuff we stop to reflect on Jesus.  Each family member has to tell what our "gift" to Jesus will be.  What will work do or work on during the upcoming year that will glorify or honor God? We videotape our answers so they can be remembered!
Now it's time to bust into the toys!

christmas card 2011

christmas eve

Christmas Eve...after 3:00 church...Big Dee and DeeDee's!

first stop

Christmas Eve Eve with Nana and Pops!

re-cOOperAting

 

GAMES AND FORTS

Things are looking a little better around here!  The boys still have nasty coughing spells but no fevers and the energy levels are back up...in a good way.  Since we have vegged in front of the TV for the last few days, I decided we needed a TV break not a jammie break...lol.  Nothing like spending the day in your jammies cause it means you don;t have anywhere to be!!  We spent the morning playing games and then building forts.  Since it had been LAZINESS around here the boys were really excited to play with each other.

OUR FAVORITE GAMES

*Memory

Shut the Box...you play individually...in my top 3 to recommend

Apples to Apples JR.

Blurt

*Barnyard Bingo

*Go Fish

Toot and Otto

*Zingo

*Bingo

*Yatzee Jr.

*Connect 4

*Boogle Jr.

CLUE

Checkers

Chess...i can't play but T can go figure!

Monopoly...the real deal...Tanner could play for hours!

*= ones Sam can play and understand

Every fort needs weapons...light sabers, nerf guns and baseball bats!

We played Memory when Chris got home. Sam is getting really good.  He got 2 matches in a row and was SUPER EXCITED...hence the blurriness!! Big prayers we are healthy for Christmas:)