Christmas Time In the City

This Christmas season was the best that I have had in a long time.  It was so fun to have two kids that were in the Christmas spirit and so excited for Jesus' birthday and Santa to come Christmas morning. I can't imagine next year when Teddy will join in the fun and a new baby to add to the mix!

Ollie the Elf made his apperance on Thanksgiving morning and stayed until Christmas Eve, traveling back each night to report to Santa if Jack and Bella had been naughty or nice.  I didn't take any pictures of Ollie this year, but each morning Jack and Bella found him in very funny places; on the toilet, making a snow angel in flour, hanging from the Christmas tree, watching Christmas movies, just to name a few.

Here is Jack finding Ollie one morning hanging on the stairwell.

I taught Jack and Bella some Christmas carols this year.  Here they are singing, "Jingle Bells".  Bella gets distracted, but hey she's only 2 and a half

We also went to the mall and visited Santa Claus.  Teddy cried when he first sat on his lap and then he was okay once the lady who took his picture distracted him.  Both Jack and Bella asked him for walkie-talkies.

I am the Room Parent for Jack's preschool class which means I get to plan the class parties.  We had a great Christmas party in his classroom.  Santa even paid a visit there too.  Here is Jack meeting with the Big Guy for the second time.

We did a little baking for Santa too.  Here are Jack and Bella icing the cookies we made for him.

Teddy wanted to let everyone know that Santa is his homeboy, so he wore this shirt!

A few days before Christmas we went to Dayton to celebrate Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma.  We left Christmas Eve after having dinner and opening gifts to get home to get ready for Santa.

When we got home, we found matching Christmas pajamas from Ollie for Jack, Bella and Teddy.  After they took baths and put on their pajamas, we left cookies and carrots for Santa.



They woke up early to find out what Santa brought them. 

Here they are coming down the stairs to see if Santa came.

Here are a few pictures of them opening their gifts.

Later that day we went to Gigi's house to celebrate with my side of the family.

We had a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas!