Christmas 2014

Each year Christmas is so magical and when it's over I'm left with the Christmas blues wishing we could do it all over again (good thing we can... 364 days later!) ;) This year our Christmas was a little quieter than normal, with non of the grandparents being in town. We went to Christmas Eve church service where  Lucas played a shepherd in the Christmas Pageant. He was darling of course, and mid-show was up on stage fidgeting wondering if it was over yet. That's being a four year old for you! 

{I know... awwwww!}

After Church we headed home and set out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for his hungry reindeer. "They sure fly a lot you know," Lucas said as we were putting out their snack. Caleb was trying to snack Santa's cookies. I guess he figured Santa would have plenty elsewhere. 

Christmas morning Lucas woke up bouncing off the walls with excited to see what Santa had brought. Let me tell you, it was a lot of work to keep him occupied while we waited for Caleb to wake up. Together we all opened our stalkings then headed over to the Christmas tree to dig into some presents. 

Caleb was excited that Santa brought him his very own chair just like brothers!

After we opened presents from Santa, family and friends, Matt told Lucas he had found a note from Santa saying there was one more thing in the garage. I was waiting in the garage with the video camera to capture his reaction, and it was priceless! 

{Excitement beyond belief about his new Power Wheels quad!}

{my boys}

Each year we take a family picture in front of the tree on Christmas day. This year we forgot and did it the day after using the timer... it's fun to compare these pictures each year!

As usual the photos stop after Christmas morning has settled down and the cooking begins. I get busy in the kitchen and forget to take any pictures of the family when they come for dinner. Next year I vow to hand the camera off to Matt and put him in charge so we actually get pictures from the rest of the day. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!!

xoxo, Kara

Lucas's Christmas Spectacular

Lucas had been so excited for his Christmas performance at school. Every time I would ask him about his show he would say, "Mom, it's called the Christmas Spectacular, not a show!" They sang many songs and at the very end Santa made a surprise visit while they sang "Where is Santa". The looks on their faces were priceless, and I am almost certain I am not the only mom who teared up when seeing the sheer joy on my child's face.

Lucas literally jumped on Santa's lap! Santa didn't seem to mind at all!

Caleb once again wanted nothing to do with the man in the red suit. He was holding on to me for dear life. 

Trying to get a decent picture of Lucas and his best buddy Isaac. This is totally them, they never stop moving! 

I just love this last picture of the class, and Lucas and Lillian smiling and looking at each other. They still couldn't believe Santa was there!

His teachers did an awesome job putting together an amazing show. I enjoyed every minute of it!

xoxo, Kara

Serving Others: Christmas Tree Decorating

In early December my good friend Rachelle asked me if we would like to join her family and a few other families in decorating trees that would be donated to families in need this Christmas. We all provided lights and decorations, and each family got to decorate a tree. This was the perfect service project for our entire family to get involved with. It's so important to me for my children to understand the importance of giving and serving others. All of the kids involved had a great time decorating the trees, running around, eating goodies, and even watching a train as it passed. 

Tis the season of giving! 

xoxo, Kara

Tree Hunting & Decorating

Each year we usually head up the mountain to cut down our tree. It is one of my favorite traditions. But this year, due to weather and Matt's traveling schedule, that didn't quite work out, so we went to a near by tree lot instead. The boys still had a great time exploring and finding the perfect tree. 

These two, let me tell you... one minute they are laughing and cracking each other up, the next they are fighting and wrestling. This is how it will be for the rest of their lives!!! I know this to be true... I have two brothers of my own. 

Lucas loved decorating the tree this year. He helped me string the lights, and then diligently worked to put every ornament he could on the tree until the last one was in its place. Caleb on the other hand, hung a couple ornaments, then strategically ran off to play with toys that Lucas typically won't let him have, such as Lucas's favorite helicopter. Smart little guy if I do say so myself. 

"While Lucas is distracted with the tree that is inside (weird), I get to snag his favorite helicopter!" (I'm pretty sure this is exactly what Cal was thinking) 

Can you tell this is a section decorated by a 4 year old? Love it!

Lucas has a Santa count down he made at school, so he knows exactly how many days until Christmas. He is beyond excited for Christmas this year. Each year since Lucas was born I have felt that Christmas has become more magical, if that were even possible. I already loved Christmas so much, but seeing it through my children's eyes brings more joy and magic than ever before. 

In case you didn't already know... 10 days until Christmas!

xoxo, Kara

North Pole Breakfast: 2nd Annual

We had our second annual North Pole breakfast yesterday, and I so love this tradition. Last year was the first time we did this, and we enjoyed it so much that we decided it would be an annual tradition in our home. Our North Pole breakfast consists of sugary treats, the appearance of our elf Vern, and a little gift for the boys. It's our little kick off to Christmas. 

{Isn't his bed head just amazing?}

{And this guy's one curly q?!}

 {A donut and his baba, happy little guy!}

Each year the elf brings the boys their Christmas pajamas along with something little. This year it was Christmas tree playing cards and Rudolph bandaids. Filled with smiles and sugar, I think it's safe to say the boys enjoyed their morning, and are ready to dive into the Christmas season! 

xoxo, Kara