Christmas Morning

Santa thought that someone was pretty good this year, so he brought a work bench, puzzles, books, an IPhone loaded with his favorite games (pretty identical to Mom's old one!), PlayDoh, and other stuff to go along with it. 

He's becoming more of a fan of the big guy in the red suit....even if he won't go anywhere near him!!

Playing with everything. His favorite is the drill. Only bad part is he wants to drill "new" holes every where. Oh dear!

In complete amazement.

He still had other presents to unwrap, but he couldn't seem to tear himself away from that work bench.

It was so fun getting to see the magic in his eyes this year. He is old enough to understand what is going on and what Christmas is really all about. 

It was a great year, and I can't wait for the next one!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a pretty big day for us. It usually always is. We had Christmas with Bella that morning. I went to work for a little while for all of the last minute shoppers, and then we had Christmas at Brandie's house that night. The day started around 7:30 that morning and didn't end until Santa passed around 12:30 that night.

This was our Christmas Tree this year. 

Christmas with Bella

Thinking that even if this doesn't have his name he will still claim it....

Luckily for him, it was his!!!

Helping Daddy open his presents. They were both excited. (Even though all Cullen realized was there was Angry Birds on the cover!)

Bella was wonderful to us, as usual, and everyone got things they wanted....especially the train that someone picked out in the Pottery Barn Kids Magazine!! There weren't any pictures of Mom and I because we hadn't gotten ready for the day quite yet!

We headed to Aunt Brandies that night....

Cullen was really excited that Jackson got a present!!

He was also excited that Jordan got an IPod Touch.

My little Rudolph

The girls with their new animal hats. They are too cute!!

Of course...more presents!

30 weeks along!

The kids!!

Back row: Julien, Jordan, Katelyn, Jackson, and Trey

Front row: Cullen, Wyatt, Megan, and Katelyn

It was a lot of fun, and the kids had a blast. Thanks to everyone who had a part in spoiling my child rotten!!! Next up....Christmas morning!

Acadian Village

Amanda and I had the bright idea to take our 2 boys to Acadian Village to see all of the lights, Santa (really, to let Benton see Santa. Cullen hates the big guy!) and to do all of the fun stuff they have to do over there. We knew it would be a challenge, but we wanted to be the "good and fun mom's!" 

The night we chose was supposed to be freezing cold, and not that great of weather. We planned on getting there as soon as it opened to avoid all of the parking and entrance lines. 

The only part that panned out as planned was the getting there early!!

Waiting for the gates to open....the very rare time they were actually IN their strollers!

Attempting to take a picture, but they weren't having it!

This is what became of "lets put them in the strollers so they are able to ride and look!"

Benton wanted to dance instead...the boy has moves!

The peacock in lighting....one of the few decor pictures I took.

Benton wanted to walk and push his stroller like Cullen, but he was just little enough to fit under all of the ropes and go into the ponds!

"Just put me down Mom!"

Benton and Cullen in the picture spot....our quick and only attempt to get a good picture!

He would rather climb around all of the props

Our little elves

Cullen (L) Benton (R)

I gave Amanda the stroller (I had folded mine up and put it inside of hers to allow more free hands!) and took Benton from her. He had been fighting her for about 30 minutes and when I took him he just let me hold him while we walked. It was amazing....don't know why I didn't suggest that 25 minutes earlier!!

Benton was too little for the rides, but Cullen was extremely pumped to drive the train.

Climbing in.

"Come on...let's go!"

Every time he would pass he would make sure he looked at me and waved. He is getting used to me snapping pictures!!

We let Cullen ride twice and we headed out. The temperatures were pretty low, but Amanda and I were both sweating. It is hard work chasing a 3 year old and 1 year old around. 

We headed to eat with all intentions of "getting something really good," but we were so tired of fighting them in there that we didn't have the energy to go to a restaurant too. We went to Raisin Canes and then headed home....I looked back and found this...

It was definitely a fun night, but was nothing short of exhausting. We nominated Ryan and Brud for next years journey to Acadian Village with the boys. Amanda and I will head to that restaurant we inteded to go to this year and wait for them....they just don't know it yet!