Snips and Snails: Our Christmas 2012

We had another wonderful Christmas this year. As always, it went by so fast. I tried to savor every minute! There were lots of Christmas school activities for the boys. I was asked to be in charge of both of the class parties (that was a little overwhelming), but they both went great. At Nate's party we played a couple of games (pass the Santa and "snowball" (marshmallow) toss), a craft (decorate your own Christmas tree), and had pizza and treats. At Noah's, there was a full spread of food! Also, they played pass the reindeer and exchanged books. They both went great and I think both boys enjoyed their parties!

The boys also had Christmas programs at school. Nathanael had his first. They sang a few songs and then we had cookies and punch and Santa came! Nate was a little nervous about sitting on Santa's lap and telling him what he wanted for Christmas, but he was really cute about it and did fine. He was so sweet singing those songs with his little class..you could tell how proud he was. Grandmama and Granddaddy came too and really enjoyed it.

Noah had a great program too! He's not as big on getting up in front of crowds and performing, but he did it and we were really proud of him. His program was on the twelve days of Christmas and the entire elementary school put it on. It was cute. My parents came again and we all enjoyed it.

Then, both boys were officially done with school for Christmas break! We really enjoyed having the boys home and did lots of fun stuff. More to come later!

Okay..so the rest of our Christmas:

First, we went to Sally and Jeremy's house in Selmer to celebrate with Josh's family. We went on a Friday and came back on Saturday. The boys had the best time playing with Addie and Grant. Nicholas loves Addie so much. He called her "Lemon" the entire time and we don't know why. It was so funny and cute "Sit down, Lemon!" "Come on, Lemon!". Addie was my little babysitter and stayed with Nicholas the whole time. He practically ignored PaPa- which was a first! We opened presents on Friday night and let the boys stay up late. Then on Saturday they played and watched "Brave" and then we had a big Christmas lunch. It was so good. We had a good trip!

Nate with his new Angry Birds hat

Nicholas opening his present with PaPa

Noah was excited about his new game!

Nicholas and Grant

"Lemon" and Nicholas playing

All the cousins watching "Brave"

We also went to Opryland Hotel to see the lights. Grandmama and Granddaddy met us there. I love this tradition so much!! We had a great time. The boys really enjoyed it this year. We also got cheeseburgers and ice cream there. Fun times!

The big boys enjoying their ice cream.

There were even little cars to ride in!

Nicholas getting a taste :)

The boys loved the train!

On Christmas Eve, Grandmama and Granddaddy came over for dinner (another favorite tradition!). We ate dinner and made Christmas sugar cookies for Santa. Noah really got into this job this year! He took it very seriously :) We had a lot of fun. Then, we watched the Christmas classic, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". After Mom and Dad left, Josh read "The Night Before Christmas" to the boys and off to bed they went!

Nate rolling out the cookie dough.

The boys making cookies. Nicholas was a mess..we stripped him.

You can tell he loves his Grandmama!

Watching Rudolph!

Noah - the serious cookie decorator :)

Nicholas watching Rudolph :)

Then it was Christmas Day! Noah woke up early. Really, really early. Like, 5:00 am. He tried to go back to sleep, but came in our room and said he couldn't. Nicholas got up early too. So, I sent Josh to Noah's bed and I let the early birds watch TV in our bed for while. Then, we woke up Dad and Nate and went to see what Santa brought! The boys were really excited about all their presents and saw that Santa ate the cookies and left them a note.

Nicholas watching the big boys play a new game on the Wii!

After a fun morning of playing with new toys, we went to Grandmama and Granddaddy's house for Christmas brunch. We had Mom's wonderful french toast souffle (a rich and decadent treat we look forward to every year!). Then, we opened presents! The boys loved everything, especially their big angry birds :). Nicholas even got some pots and pans from Uncle Frank and Aunt Allyson! Fun! Then, we just enjoyed the rest of the day visiting, eating, and being together. It was another wonderful Christmas with memories we won't forget!