My Favorite day ever

Christmas was amazing this year.  I really think this whole Santa stuff is magical.  I love the thrill of leaving milk and cookies out and waiting to see if Santa bring exactly what you wanted.  We had a great year and a great time celebrating.

Christmas Eve we went to church with Jason's mom and then over to our house for dinner and round one of presents. Each kid got a lego set,

 Gavin got his own recliner,

 Reegan's favorite present - princesses that have multiple outfits to change them into.

 Then we left milk and cookies and off to bed.

The kids were good this year and got exactly what they asked for.  Reegan a sparkly wagon for her baby dolls and Gavin sports balls.  They each also got a book of bedtime stories and a large stuffed animal.

 Christmas morning, their reactions didn't disappoint.

 Every present that she opened, Reegan said "its exactly what I wanted".  So cute, this camera was a hit, she took 160 pictures in the first 2 days.

 My parents house

 I was worried for a little while that this box was going to be the biggest hit, but toys soon took over.

My house now requires some re-organization to find places for all of the blessings we received.  The kids are loving all the new things.

Snow Angels

We had our first snow of the year, just a little and more ice than snow probably.  Jason lucked out and a few high school boys came over and offered to shovel for a payment. So, we let them.  I think Jason could get used to someone else shoveling all winter long.  Reegan was anxious to get outside and build a snowman.  While I was better prepared this year, (snow shoes and snow pants that fit!) the weather did not cooperate and it was not snowman building weather.

 Snow Angels were made instead.

 Poor Gavin watched from inside.  He has snow pants too, but we decided to wait for the next snow to let him out.

 Then the kids had a blast watching the snow plow the street.

 Gavin has a new found love for Bella.  He loves to climb on her and pet her.  Bella really is the sweetest dog around, she just lets these kids do whatever to her and she is so patient.

 Sunday night we went to a family dinner at my grandparent's house.  My grandma is the best cook around!

Christmas Eve eve we did a little cookie decorating. Gavin wants to be a part of the action all the time!

 Since Gavin only wanted to eat the cookies and not decorate we swapped it out for some cheerios.

We love having my sisters in town, wish it happened more often.  Winter is not my favorite time of the year but we are making the most of it!

Santa

We saw Santa this week.  And, this picture says it all...

Reegan is starting to understand Christmas.  She knows about baby Jesus, but she really knows Santa.  She loves listening to Christmas music and has been asking for the longest time when she will get to see Santa. We had our annual trip to Crown Center planned, but found out a few days prior our gym was having Santa too.  We made a trip to the YMCA bright and early Saturday morning.  Jason and I had predicted this is how Gavin would react, but weren't quite sure.  He was a little unsure at first...

 Then he was over it.  Screamed his little head off. 

Even after that traumatic experience we went a second time to see Santa with the Keeley Family.

The weather was nice-ish so we played outdoors at the trains and walked through Union Station before heading to dinner at Ponak's Mexican Restaurant.

 Cade and Reegan- besties

 Gavin being 1 of 2 sweetest kids around.  He loves to give hugs. kisses, and cuddles

I will relish in this Christmas Photo for a very long time!  It was just too perfect, even though little man did not think we were kind. He'll forgive us one day, right?