WIDOCV the final installment.

This year we went to the Chateau on the Lake for breakfast with Santa (and Grandma Connie!). Let me tell you, it was a class act. It was so BIG which meant that we weren't all piled on top of each other. They had a huge movie screen playing the Polar Express, crafts, a playground, face painting and balloons. They arranged for the kids 3 and under to go first to sit on Santa's lap which was a GENIUS idea! Then while they waited in line there were things for them to do such as coloring and Mr. Potato Head's to play with. They brought Santa in on a real fire truck. (The old really cool looking kind!) Cohen LOVED that. Both kids sat on Santa's lap and told him what they wanted then they each get a toy to unwrap. It was really fun and it raised money for K-Life. I would love to tell you I have amazing pictures to share from this super fun morning....but I forgot my camera. So here is one I snapped with my cell phone. I was so thankful that Grandma suggested we go!

Now we arrive at Christmas Eve. I was going to make gingerbread cookies for the kids to decorate, but I had fallen ill with a really bad cold. I was still functioning because as mothers, we really have no choice, but I wasn't up for baking. So the night before I picked up a Wilton gingerbread house kit. It was already put together and it came with everything we needed to make this adorable house! Although we added some of our own touches. We really had a great time getting this treat ready for Santa. Judging by the note he left, he enjoyed eating it.

Christmas Eve is always spent with Grandma and Grandpa D and Big Daddy's family. I just love spending time with them. They always have entertaining stories and I can honestly say the majority of the time we spend over there is spent laughing at someone or something! This year it was the vision of Aunt Sandy running through the kitchen with a broom chasing a bird while yelling, "THIS IS SERIOUS!!!" at the boys.

Christmas morning started with Claire crawling into bed with us. Here is the conversation.

Big Daddy: "Claire, I think I heard some jingle bells last night."

Claire: "Well, I saw sugar plums dancing around my head."

Santa always leaves everything in the basement so on Christmas morning we wait upstairs for our family to arrive. We use this time to enjoy the last bit of quiet for the day and most importantly discuss the real reason for celebrating Christmas. Last year we just talked about the logistics. But this year we have been talking about WHY he was sent to earth. (Word from the not so wise...4 years old may not be the most appropriate age to mention that Jesus was sent to die for our sins. Claire's eyes got as big as silver dollars and she said, "MOM, I don't want that baby to DIE!") Whoops.

We enjoyed a morning with Grandma Connie, Nanny, Papa, Uncle, Ashley, Livi, Papa Melvin and Auntie Ashley's homemade cinnamon rolls. Mmm Mmmm. Here are a few pics from Christmas morning.

Claire and her dollhouse. Dear Santa, next time can you put the dollhouse together yourself?

This is the apron I made for my momma.

Cohen got some really cool stuff this year. His favorite thing.....this blanket. Stop by our house and you will most likely find him chewing on this thing.

Claire and Papa playing "Littlest Pet Shop" aka....you guessed it! TALENT SHOW!!!

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a gun toting Republican in his bathrobe.

Uncle, Auntie Ashley and Loo Loo.

Can I just tell you that Big Daddy was VERY good to me this year?! Every gift he got me was so thoughtful. Last year we did not get each other anything so we were excited to shop for each other this year. He got his early because I wanted him to help pick it out. As I type he is sitting in front of it watching ESPN! He put A LOT more thought into my gifts. My favorite was my set of rings engraved with the kids names. LOVE them. He also picked up a few little things at The Market which is one of my favorite stores here in town. He went all over town looking for a turquoise teapot and it is just adorable. So imagine my surprise when I opened another teapot from him. He informed me that the turquoise one didn't whistle and he thought I would want one that whistles! How cute is he? He also got me TWO packages of Under Armour socks. I LOVE those things!

After everyone left, I wanted so badly to play with the kids and their new toys but my body would not allow it. I went upstairs turned on the fireplace and a Christmas movie and actually snoozed a bit. Then I got up to get in the shower, came out and this is what I found.

We finished up Christmas day and Nanny and Papa's. We had a delicious meal that was completely fat free I'm sure. We were joined by Auntie She, Hunter (for a bit), Garrett, Papa Melvin, my cousin Cody and his girlfriend. We agreed when we left that my mom is a great cook. We got home....and CRASHED. It was a Very. Merry. Christmas.