Claudia and Cooper at the Carousel
Chad rode and I took pictures...
Santa was there in his little house so the kids took one more opportunity to remind him about the Auburn football items and the American Girl doll. It never hurts to remind someone so old...
Christmas Eve
Chad took a vacation day for Christmas Eve and we were so excited to have him with us all day. We started our day at Juna and Grandaddy's house. The kids were packed full of anticipation over opening presents.
Cooper's face says it all...
Cooper has wanted a chair for his room and he was thrilled to get this one!
Claudia was surprised by her Bible cover...
Though not nearly as surprised as she was by what this box contained...
She has been begging for black Ugg's for a very long time. Love this face...
Juna and Grandaddy loved the black and white canvas we gave them of the kids.
We all headed to Warm Springs for a yummy lunch at the Bullock House. We were so happy it had opened in time for us to go back for our Christmas Eve lunch.
They have these adorable "ladies" hanging out near the Christmas tree and Cooper LOVED them. He had me take many pictures of him posing with each of them.
Having fun on the playground...
Claudia is always happy to be the photographer!
The Bullock House
Christmas Eve evening, we went to MawMaw and Poppa's house for Christmas dinner. We love getting to be with Connie and Sydney.
Me and my sister...
More presents make Cooper a happy boy...
Daddy and his little buddy...
Connie helped me pick out Sydney's presents at the wonderful Charming Charlies and she was right on the money. We gave her a cameo necklace and pearls and she loved them both. She was a happy girl and it brings me so much joy to give Sydney something she really loves.
Maw Maw and Poppa were also thrilled to open their canvas of Claudia & Cooper.
Christmas Eve at home...
When God blessed us with babies, Chad and I created the tradition of opening our presents on Christmas Eve so Christmas morning could be all about the kids and SANTA's goodies. This year, for some reason, we got home earlier than normal so we were not nearly as late as usual getting to open presents.
Claudia had taken her birthday money to the school Santa store and bought gifts for everyone. Cooper was totally delighted with his soccer ball key chain! These presents meant so much to me because of how much thought she put into each one. I had given them both a little money for the store and Cooper spent his on an Auburn cup for his daddy. They were both so thoughtful and I love seeing that character trait develop in their hearts.
Claudia has asked for a bed for her American Girl doll many times. She was obviously delighted to open one from her brother.
Chad always gives the kids a gift just from him and he never tells me what they are. Cooper's gift was this huge tiger. We had him turn around and close his eyes while Chad brought it in.
They also opened a special edition magazine all about the Handley Tigers amazing season and State Championship t-shirts. Cooper put his on immediately.
Putting out cookies and milk for Santa and then heading to bed...
Christmas Day Morning
Santa really put out a spread for Claudia and Cooper. They loved everything and had some great surprises...
Apparently Santa made it back to the sleigh and realized he forgot a present. It appears that he just decided to drop the pogo stick down the chimney and then our elves had a party jumping around on it.
After sneaking in and snapping a few pictures of all Santa had left, it was time to let them get up. Claudia had been awake for about an hour wanting to get up but I kept putting her off because I was so sleepy. Once we got everyone awake, Claudia read the REAL Christmas story from the book of Luke.
Yes, drums...
All I could say was "Why Santa, why?"
Just kidding, he absolutely LOVES his drums and he has played his heart out since this first beat.
Santa never forgets Spencer. He tries out his new bed while munching on his new treats.
We played for a while and then got dressed for church. We had a sweet service focusing on God's Grace. Our sweet friends came over after church to see what the kids got. Cooper had to have Connor try out the drums.
Claudia and Logan have so much fun together.
We spent the afternoon playing with all of the new toys. Cooper got this cool racetrack that we spread out in the hallway. He and I had lots of fun with this toy.
Claudia and I got busy putting together her closet for her American Girl doll clothes. She carefully organized every piece of clothing for her dolls.
Christmas Day, the evening
We have Christmas with Nana and PawPaw in the evening on Christmas Day. It is always fun with all the kids there together.
The day after Christmas,
we continue to celebrate...
We started having all of the grandparents for Christmas brunch years ago. This year we waited until the 26th so we could all go to church on Christmas Day. One great thing about Christmas falling on a Sunday is Chad being off on the 26th. It was like Christmas Day all over again for us. We spent the entire day playing and enjoying our babies. We had a yummy brunch and enjoyed having all of the grandparents plus Sydney and Addison. We gave them their new calendars for 2012, much to their delight. I think I'd be in big trouble if I failed to make these each year.
Cooper went from playing football to playing the drums all day. He was fierce in his new jersey and his face painted.
Claudia put on a magic show for us. She has wanted a magic kit for many years and she finally got one. She would go in her bedroom and figure out the tricks and then come and show us.
I will always remember all of the Christmas blessings God gave us this year. This Christmas was full of family time, which is always one of the most wonderful blessings to me. Next to my salvation, this precious family is the most amazing gift I've ever received. I never dreamed God would give me all that He has given me. I am so thankful His grace is not dependent on my worthiness!
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