Christmas 2011

Christmas for our family this year was an especially exciting time because the kids simply couldn't wait for all of the excitement to begin.  It is the first year that Adalyn really understood most of what was taking place.  She has been learning so much about the true meaning of Christmas in Sunday School and has been really interested in giving to others.  She took more of an active roll in shopping for her family and even insisted on choosing her own wrapping paper to wrap the gifts in. 

This year we sent a note with out Elf on the Shelf--Jingle to ask Santa to come on the night before Christmas Eve so that Adalyn and Carter would have more time to check out their toys. Santa cooperated and the kids for to open their gifts on Christmas Eve morning.  We spent most of the day wrestling toys out of their seemingly impossible packaging and playing with all of the fun new stuff.  We headed to church at 3:00 and then returned home for more playing.  Both of the kids had several small things on their lists, which made Santa's job of shopping and wrapping much more difficult and time consuming than years past.    Santa also brought the family a Toshiba Tablet which has been a huge hit with everyone.  Addy has really taken to it and loves playing several games including Fruit Ninja and Alphabet Car.  I have already read a few books sing the Kindle App and am addicted to the word games. Unfortunately I introduced my mom to Word Pro while we were visiting and I can't beat her high score!  I WILL be at the top of that leader board again....eventually! 

Addy made sure Santa got his cookies and milk and the reindeer got their carrots!

Carter was not a fan of all the packaging that held his toys hostage!

Addy was very excited about her Mobigo games!

Carter is Car CRAZY!

These Lil' Woodzeez playsets have about a bazillion pieces with them.  Santa will be receiving a letter of complaint from me:)

Addy is showing her Dad how to play with the tablet.  She thinks she's a pro since she get to use the Ipads at school!

We headed to Indiana to celebrate with family on Christmas morning.  Although Addy and Carter were excited to visit their grandparents, they were also a little sad about leaving their new toys.  We did let them bring a few small items, but most of the new stuff had to stay behind.  We made awesome time on our drive to Ferdinand and made it in a little over four hours.  We ate breakfast before we left home and only stopped once for gas.  We got home just in time for a yummy Christmas dinner that my parents had prepared.  We spent the rest of Christmas Day exchanging gifts, playing with toys, spending time together, and admiring Papaw's Christmas lights!  It was a great day.

Ashley, Carter & Frosty

The kids wanted to join in on the manger scene

We were in Indiana until Friday, so we had a lot of time to spend with family.   On Monday night we went to the Heilers' Christmas (my mom's family).  It was great seeing so many family members. The kids really enjoyed seeing their second cousins and had a great time playing with them.  On Tuesday we headed to Derek's mom's house in Evansville to spend some time with her.  The kids got in some valuable play time with Grandma's toys and we headed out to a few stores and out for dinner. 

On Wednesday, Derek and I dropped the kids off at my parents' house and we headed to Louisville to eat at the Cheesecake Factory and do a little shopping.  It was great to be on our own for a little while, as that doesn't happen too often.  We like to take advantage of Grandparent babysitting services while we're visiting:)  Carter became sick while we were in Louisville, which began the streak of sickness that plagued us during the rest of our visit.  Apparently the bug was spread at the Heilers Christmas earlier in the week and caught hold of our family.  Carter and Derek were the first to fall victim and then Addy and I came down with it.  As we left Indiana on Friday my parents weren't feeling so hot and Derek's mom was feeling a little woozy.  It was a mean little bug and spared no one.  Thankfully it only lasted about 24 hours!  The drive home on Friday was a particularly interesting and nerve wracking one, but I'm happy to say that we made it home puke free:)  We were supposed to stop on the way home to visit with Derek's brother and his family and exchange gifts, but we decided it wasn't in their best interest since we were carrying "the bug."  We were bummed that the kids didn't get to play together, but plan to head over to Terre Haute for a visit soon.

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with family and memorable moments.  As I gear up to take down the Christmas decorations this week, I'll admit that I will be a little sad that the holiday season is already over.  It was so much fun watching Christmas through the eyes of our children this year.  It truly is a magical time of year!  We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones!  We sure did!