Christmas 2010

What a festive, wonderful season we had. Luke was so enamored with the magical concept of Christmas, but also very aware why were celebrating and how thankful we are for Jesus. Reid was along for the ride, but he did enjoy getting to tear into Christmas gifts and play with new toys.

We were able to do a lot of fun Christmasy things:
1. Visit Santa's Village. BIG fail on mom's part though. I didn't realize a huge Artic blast was coming in at 6pm that night (when we arrived). It was SOO cold and Ross was the only one with a jacket. We only stayed 30 minutes, but it was a fun 30 minutes.

Sweet Christmas Cheeks

Watching Santa arrive on the firetruck. The line to see him was an hour and half. Needless to say, we saw him a different day.

"Anybody home?"

2. Luke made his first gingerbread house at school:

I kid you not, one of the moms made ALL the gingerbread pieces for all of the 3 and 4 year olds at Luke's school. From scratch. A bunch of us mom's met up there one day and assembled the icing with the royal icing she made from scratch. These little masterpieces were the real deal. Precious!

So proud of a job well done!
Explaining all the pieces. The chocolate door was the first to go.
Ready to dive in!

3. We delivered hot cocoa mix to our neighbors. This was a new thing for us to do, but so fun to go and actually have a chit chat with our sweet neighbors and just see them during the busy holiday season.

4. We went and saw the trains at Northpark. This is a really great exhibit, that benefits a great cause (The Ronald McDonald House). Somehow we timed it just right that day. Everywhere we went as we would be leaving (the trains, the mall food court, Starbucks, etc) a HUGE crowd would ascend. We were thankful for good timing that day!

Whoop!

5. We went to a beautiful Christmas Eve service at the Heights. It really was so nice. This is truly my favorite part of the season. It just feels right going to the Lord's house and praising HIM for the glory of his son. Luke went with us to the service and had fun listening to the music and singing along to some of it. He did almost catch my hair on fire with the candle during "Silent Night", but no need for a fire extinguisher this year. Whew!
After the service we went home and jammied up! Then it was time to read "Twas the Night before Christmas." I usually try to give a prize to whoever reads the story best, but forgot to do that this year amidst all the hustle and bustle. (Note to self for 2011).

6. CHRISTMAS!!
Luke came down the stairs exclaiming "Wonderful!!" He was so excited for his new castle, although didn't understand where all the "guys" were. They came later via Gigi, but some Star Wars friends from Uncle Ryan served as great castle guards.

Reid made himself quite comfy in his new beanbag with his new snacktrap. Doesn't take long. ;)

My sweet cheeks.
A little Christmas bed hair.

Ross made us a delicious fried turkey and our friends at Elke's and Chocolate Angel did the rest. Have I told you that I LOVE the idea of having Christmas catered? When we weren't sure if our oven was going to be functioning or not, I called the peeps over there and they made my day sooo much easier. Just warmed up our delicious food and when we were done, threw the dishes they came in away. I think I might be onto something.

It was a wonderful day, full of toy playing, naps and movies and being with family.

7. Christmas - Take 2!
The evening after Christmas (The Moshell's headed to Georgia EARLY Sunday morning after Christmas day for Nanny's funeral), the Austin Hillbilies rolled into town. They were loaded to the max and poor Tay had to ride in the back of Papa's truck in her crate. Just like a dog!
By now, Luke and Reid had the opening presents thing down pat. They tore into them and scored a great trampoline! It had worn them both out and I LOVE it!

Thank you Scott!! Tron!
Our sweet Nana.

We spent the rest of the week enjoying time at the house and watching lots of movies.

8. For New Years Eve we all packed up and headed to Oklahoma to celebrate. Everyone was there, which meant Luke and Reid had endless playmates and grandparents and uncles to entertain. It's always great being with everyone and Luke loved playing outside. Of course we played our White Elephant game (got some great leather gloves and a Starbucks giftcard), and the boys again were spoiled rotten.

All the cousins...note all the boys!

"All the single ladies."
Chillaxin' with mom
Uncle Larry wondering why he let's all the crazy people come to his house.
5 generations: Pawpaw & Granny Hill, Mimi, Papa, Me and the boys.

All the grandsons and great- grandkids - again, note all the boys. ;)

It was a wonderful, blessed Christmas. We are so very thankful the the Lord gives us this time of year to reflect and rest, but most importantly to be with our loved ones as we celebrate HIM!