Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

We had a very nice Christmas Eve. After a little morning play time and cartoons, we let the boys open their Christmas presents from us. Who wants to compete with Santa on Christmas morning? We've found it better, at least for now, to spread it out. While they were really excited to open presents, they weren't super thrilled when it was mostly pajamas. There were a few games and a puzzle for each. Then Eli informed us that there was a new present in the back of the tree that wasn't there yesterday. Well, Eli, as a matter of fact, you're right. Daddy wrapped something special for you two! Eli enjoyed climbing behind the tree to retrieve it. They opened their gift together and were SO excited to see a Lego Fire Station!! Of course, then Daddy went to work putting together the vehicles and I put together the actual fire station. We had tough supervisors who made sure we did it right! 

This afternoon, we had some outdoor time and the boys had fun riding their bikes and being crazy outside. We were also sure to make cookies for Santa - chocolate with white chocolate chips. In the grocery store, Cole insisted that Santa wants white chocolate chips so we went for it! Of course, Eli & Cole "helped" me by being quality control. They approved of the cookie dough before we baked them. 

Tonight we went to Christmas Eve service at church - our first family one!! It was very special to me. The boys were both in "big church" with us for singing and a play. I love singing in church and tonight was no different. I got teary eyed when a little girl (probably no older than 8) sang 'Away in a Manger' on stage. I hadn't heard that song in a long time and it got to me. Plus I was overjoyed at all of us being in church together for Christmas Eve. After song time, the play occurred. By this time, Cole was asleep in Tim's arms and Eli was on my lap trying to see what was happening. The boys did pretty well for their first time in big church and I was proud of them. We came home and had pizza for dinner (probably our new Christmas Eve tradition!). Then we had to make reindeer food and write a note to Santa to put with his cookies and milk. Eli did a great job on the note. Thankfully by forgoing naps, the boys went to bed close to their regular time and are excited that Santa is coming. We did check Norad to make sure he's on his way!

Starting to pile up their boxes
Very Hungry Caterpillar puzzle
The most fun 
is ripping the paper off! 
You can almost see their expressions here. So fun!!
They were surprised and very happy with their fire station. 
All built and ready to fight Lego City fires!
Eli is getting really good with his balance and stunts on the bike. He's getting more brave - not sure if that's necessarily a good thing! 
Silly Cole!
Daddy loves getting his Cruiser bike out and riding with the boys. He's just a big kid himself!
Cole is also crazy on his Strider bike. He has great balance and is our speedster!
Riding with his feet on the top tube. Apparently Tim has also seen him with his feet on the handlebars!!
Making cookies for Santa
Quality Control inspector #2
It is a very elaborate quality control process. =)
Before church with Daddy
Christmas Eve family photo
and a silly one!
The boys love visiting the Nativity scene at church every week. They look for Baby Jesus. 
Making reindeer food. 
A very special secret blend
Cole scattered his all over the yard
Eli opted to leave his bowl outside in one place
Serious business.....writing a note to Santa. 
Checking Santa's progress on Norad
Dear Santa, We left your reindeer some food. The cookies and milk. Thanks for coming to our house. Love, Eli and Cole (He left out a few words but did great! This is definitely a keeper!!)

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