Christmas Day

We had some beautiful weather on Christmas, so we spent a good part of the afternoon outside trying out the new toys and seeing what Santa brought the neighbors. Isaac loves his new train. The engineer must push a button for the train to be in motion and he's got it down!

Uncle Ben was competing with the children as to who could jump the highest. He was so proud when he won. I said I would post the winner on my blog.

Our neighbor Lauren got a Barbie 4-Wheeler for Christmas. Grace poses with her Barbie Jeep.

Uncle Ben goes 100mph down the driveway video-taping his adventure.

We had a delicious Christmas dinner. Sid grilled our beef tenderloin to perfection. We had homemade red-skin mashed potatoes, beans and carrots, fresh-baked bread, homemade apple-salad, cherry pie and pumpkin pie. So much to be thankful for.

To end our Christmas Day we got the kids ready for bed, popped some popcorn, threw them in the car and checked out the best Christmas lit-up houses in the area. This home is my favorite- the lights are synchronized to music.

This house has more "stuff" than 10 Home Depots could ever sell. It was amazing to see.

This home actually broadcasts music over a radio station and the lights are synchronized. Amazing. All of these homes give me much to strive for!

Grandpa and Aunt Holly gave Grace a clay kit to make animals. It's really neat. Here is what Grace and Uncle Ben accomplished.

This is what Grace accomplished on her own!

Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Daddy got the photo of the year- Grace's face when she sees the goods.

Santa brought Grace a Pink Plasma car and Isaac a blue Rody horse. They loved them!

Isaac stands/climbs on everything- to make sure it's sturdy- I guess.

Maybe we should have gotten Isaac a Plasma Car.

Definitely a hit.

Isaac has figured out how to bounce himself right off of the horse- though he cannot get on it. It is a lot of work for his helpers.

The plasma car goes fast on the hardwood floors. Notice Isaac is not on his horse- but falling off of it.

Isaac got a super bubble machine from Santa. Uncle Ben thinks it's a machine gun.

Grandma got the kids a rocking horse that makes noises and moves!

Isaac was thrilled to ride.

Santa also got Grace a karaoke machine. As if she doesn't sing loud enough.

Isaac needed no help unwrapping his gifts.

Ben holding Sid's 'I love football' coffee mug. A little irony.

Isaac knew exactly what to do with that microphone.

Grace is really into VW Bugs. Grandma got her a copy of Herby The Love Bug. We have already viewed it this morning.

Auntie Linda got Grace an Angel necklace.

The Christmas morning mess. Wouldn't have it any other way!

Maybe we should have gotten everyone a plasma car.

Grandma went all out and got Grace and Isaac a train. Seriously. They LOVE it!

Isaac got a new place to hide out from Santa. though Uncle Ben and Grace seem to be taking over. Isaac crashes through the front door.

Santa's Elves- Christmas Eve- Late Night

We had more fun assembling than anything else. Santa gave us an important job and we came through!

Some of Santa's elves are a bit strange.

Oh the stories we could tell...and the parts of the stories that were hilarious- mostly at Ben's expense of course.

Frosting and Decorating the Cookies-Xmas Eve

After the Christmas Program we finished the Christmas cookies. Isaac decorated some too- though no one has eaten the ones he made.

Some people took the project a little too serious.

Christmas Eve

Grandma came to visit on Sunday for the week. Both of the rugrats are sick- so things have been a little slow-going, but we have still been having lots of fun.

On Christmas Eve Grace, Isaac and Grandma started the Christmas cookie making process. Isaac was a BIG help making sure the dough tasted good. We figured the hot oven would kill all germs.

Grace rolled out the dough all by herself with little brother as a constant obstacle.Their first batch is ready for the oven. There is enough candy on the tray to cover at least 7 dozen more cookies.Our church had a Children's Xmas Eve Service. Grace was a camel for the nativity scene and played the purple hand bell. Below she is with her good friends RyRy and Kennedy.

Mostly we saw the back of Grace's camel head as she was fascinated by the little girl playing Mary. Grace still doesn't get that Jesus' mother Mary lived a long time ago.

Grace performing-live!

Post church photo.

Yeah! Uncle Ben is here!!!