Merry Christmas 2013!

This Christmas was so much fun!  It was the first year that Brayden was able to understand a little of what was going on.  He was not a huge fan of Santa UNTIL he made the connection that Santa brought toys.  He didn't completely change his opinion of him - but he didn't freak out quite as bad.  I have to admit though - I love the picture with Santa.  It captured him right at the moment of his freak out.  He recovered pretty quickly and actually talked about Santa constantly after we left.  He's a typical guy - all talk!!!



We had a big get together for Thanksgiving so we decided that Christmas Eve would be a little smaller.  Just immediate family.  My parents and brother came over as well as Chad's mom, brother & sister.  We had a jammie party because no one wanted to get dressed up.  I ordered some cute PJ's from Hannah Andersson for the whole family.  The kids were good sports and did't put up too much of a fight.  Actually once they tried them on they were sold.  HA pj's are the BEST!  So comfy!

Todd brought a HUGE ham and I made lots of appetizers to snack on.  Santa made a visit and gave everyone a little gift.

Brayden is distracted....yet again!

Meme & Grandaddy with their grandbabies 

Zach & Santa

Ash & Santa

That's a BIG HAM.

Ash & Peebs

Pooped Zach & Pieper

I love my babies

Mommy & her big babies

Daddy & Bray

I love my Daddy

Mommy & Bray with Santa

Meme & Zach

Meme & Grandaddy came back over at 7AM on Christmas morning so they would be here when Bray woke up.  Thankfully he woke up at around 7:15 and went upstairs to wake up Zach & Sissy.  He was so excited to see what Santa had brought him!  It was fun to watch a little one be so excited on Christmas morning again!  We stuck with a theme for gift giving under the tree.  Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read.  It helps keep things under control.  Otherwise I would end up picking things up throughout the year and the number of gifts and the money we were spending was getting out of control.   At the end of the day these kids have everything they need and then some.  I'll admit it is hard to dial back once you've set a precedence but I think we did a pretty decent job of keeping it under control this year.

Santa was good to Bray!

Santa brought Brayden a Jeep - which he absolutely loves.  He's a bit obsessed with cars so this was just right for him.  He's been outside riding it almost every day since Christmas!!