Santa was here - Merry Christmas!!

So much fun and excitement - Santa came to visit!!!

Thankfully the boys weren't up super early this morning but they were excited to see what Santa had brought them. They each had three things on their list and Eli was sure to post the lists on the mantle so Santa would know what to leave. Eli's list included: 1) Lego Tie Fighter, 2) Lego police motorcycle, 3) Flex scooter. Cole's list included: 1) Lego Trash truck, 2) Lego ambulance, 3) Scooter. 

Well, I guess Eli made it off the "watch" list because he got everything on his list. And Cole stayed on the "good" list because he also got everything on his list! They also got some books and games as well an NC State pj pants (Go Pack!). Stockings were filled with candy, chocolate, Lego figures and a cute reindeer stuffed animal. The boys were thrilled with Santa's delivery and we had lots of fun! Eli jumped on his scooter right away and was riding all over the house. By 8am, we were outside and they were riding scooters on the road. Eli was amazing and I think it is only going to help his balance - and increase his dare devilness!! Cole got a little frustrated but started getting the hang of it. 

Cole's delivery from Santa

with a special note!!

Eli's delivery from Santa

and his own special note!

"Look!!"

Cole has been talking about a Lego trash truck for months. He was so excited to finally get it!

Checking out his stocking goodies. 

Eli opted for a much quicker way to empty his stocking. 

Legos and more Legos. 

Scooter boy!

and crazy Scooter boy!

This was AWESOME! Santa left the fireplace doors open and the boys discovered it and were checking it out. I love this picture of Cole looking up the chimney. 

Time to start building the Tie Fighter. 

Let's take these outside!

And off they go!

Going pretty well 

but sadly, not as fast as Eli. 

Eli and his crazy scootering

Amazing how fast he picked it up.

Cole just got frustrated that he's not as big and fast as Eli. 

Scootering together

Tie Fighter!

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!!)

Carolina Panthers fans

Today Eli & Cole were jazzed to wear their new Panthers jerseys and watch the game. Uncle Billy & Aunt Niki gave them jerseys for Christmas and they LOVE them. They also gave them camo fleece jackets and they wear them everywhere. Couldn't have asked for anything more perfect! THANK YOU!!

My Panthers fans!

Future QB?

Cole is Mr. Daredevil these days - jumping off the play structure. 

Don't mess with me!

Go Panthers!

Just luck that we were color coordinated!