Christmas at the Farm

This weekend we headed down to the farm for our Christmas celebration with Grandma & Grandpa C. It was SO awesome to have my whole family together for the holiday. Since Eli had early release, we were able to head out of town early and beat the traffic. Unfortunately, that also meant missing Cole's Christmas party. I know his teachers always have the children sing songs and put on a show before the party - very bummed to miss that but Grandma C promised Cole that we'd have our own party so he was ok with it. Both boys were extremely excited to leave school early and were pretty well behaved on the drive down. We got to the farm just before 6pm, our scheduled dinner time. We were the first to arrive, then Billy & Niki, then Jeff & Erin with Keegan & Kaleb. All together!! Grandma C was thrilled (understatement!) to have all her children and grandchildren at her house for Christmas. We had a yummy meal (with green punch as the first course!) and then it was time to distribute and open presents. I made the boys hand out presents before letting them open any - mean aren't I?! They did have fun being little helper elves and also enjoyed opening their own gifts (what kid doesn't?!). We made sure to take pictures in front of Grandma's tree - just like we used to do in front of my Grandma's tree. Times are definitely changing and traditions are starting again. I'm really excited for Eli & Cole to experience Christmas at the farm and the future fun ALL the cousins will have together. Christmas is so much fun with kids!! After the food and fun, we let Eli & Cole open their Christmas pajamas and then watch 'The Polar Express' with Grandma & Grandpa. I think Christmas pjs and a movie at Grandma & Grandpa's will be a a tradition to continue!

Thankfully both boys slept well Friday night and were ready to go early Saturday morning. Grandma made them cinnamon rolls for breakfast and then they "worked" outside with Grandpa feeding all the animals and making sure all was ok on the farm. Tim & I enjoyed being lazy inside, reading and hanging out while the boys played outside. After lunch, we headed to see Great Grandma C (huggy Grandma) and Great Grandma & Great Grandpa S. The boys did really well and had fun with each of them. It is always wonderful to see family!!

Saturday night, we went out to Moe's for dinner with Grandpa & Grandma and Billy & Niki before heading home. The boys did great at dinner and driving home. Such a wonderful visit and a great start to our Christmas holiday!

Holiday 1st course - lemon lime punch....YUM!

Checking out the presents

Playing with Uncle Billy

Sweet Little Kaleb

Sweet Little Keegan - slept the entire time!

Cole trying out Kaleb's car seat....just a little too big buddy!

Happy excited boys!

My brother Jeff and Kaleb. This cracks me up because it looks like Jeff has the pacifier in his mouth!

Present time!

Funny present - found these insulated red "Solo" cups for Billy & Niki

Remnants of present fun - mandatory paper shot

Panthers jersey for the little ones (Eli and Cole got their own big ones too!)

"Hey Grandma, here's one more!"

A HUGE box of Legos!

Cole and "his" baby, Kaleb. Cole absolutely loves his cousin. It will be awesome watching them grow up together.

The best family shot we got.

Christmas pjs!

Billy & Niki - a little blurry, boo!

Jeff with Keegan, Erin holding Kaleb

Grandpa & Grandma C

Movie time with Grandma

Saturday morning - Eli's silly face

and sweet face

Time to feed the animals

They both went in the chicken house (Cole had to be carried, not so thrilled yet)

But Eli walked around like he owned the place! He's getting more comfortable. I think not having a bull in there helped. :-) I also found out that Cole went up in the hay loft this time too! I hate I missed it and didn't get any pictures.