Christmas 2013

consisted of enjoy the season and reason for celebrating, family fun, and absolutely no traveling, which happens every other year around here.

We started out simple by making sure all of our Christmas cards were addressed and stamped about a month before the bid day. I had a fabulous helper this year...she put on all the stamps and it really saved me some time!!! She's a pro, that's for sure....

Super duper job, Miss Ty!!!

After cards were out, tree was up, and presents were wrapped, we spent Christmas Eve with Jason's family and had a great time. It's a small little get together and Jason's bro and his family didn't make it up until Christmas Day, but it was still great to see each and every one of them!!!

Off to Grandma Marcia's....

After a fun night of visiting, laughing, giving & opening presents, and just enjoying time together, we headed home where the kiddos quickly got milk and cookies ready for Santa and Trey left this note.....

Perfect. And, from the looks of it, Santa loved the milk!!!

Christmas morning was spent here at our own house, where the kiddos woke up not too early and headed into the front room to see what Santa left...they were looking forward to their big bags that Santa leaves every year. 

Checking out the stocking loot...

Excited about Santa's bags...

My favorite pic of the morning...nothing beats an adorable little "Thank-you!" hug!!! 

The rest of Christmas Day was spent catching up with far away family and squeezing in a little cousin time with Jason's brother's boys....

I'm always heavy hearted when I don't make it back home for the holidays. As much as I LOVE spending time here at home, there's just something that's missing when I don't make it to Grandfather's for Christmas Eve, and I don't wake up at my mom's house Christmas morning. I know time marches on, new traditions are made, and memories keep the feelings alive, but I still miss those special times like no other. So, when I found out that my mom and Steve would be stopping here on their way to Omaha to see my brother, I was beyond excited. It was a too short, but very sweet visit and it was SOOOO good to see them! We wrapped up the Christmas Holiday with them....

What a fabulous Christmas holiday!!! Be are beyond blessed with an amazing family, that's for sure!!!

SANTA!

This was definitely Tay's year when it came to sitting on Santa's lap. After spending a few weeks looking at last year's Santa pic, which showed her bawling like no other, she was bound and determined to smile pretty and be a big girl. She definitely didn't disappoint....

The door of fame....year after year of Santa pics. Every year I have intentions on finding a much cuter way to display them, but end up sticking with good old scotch tape. Eventually, they will make their way into a photo book for each one of the kiddos. But, for now, we love looking at them every time we use that door. Not to mention the cute old holiday artwork and crafts....

Silly girl...looking for the Big Man in Red!!!

Ready to give Santa the picture she colored for him....

My Little Man all growing up on me....the "Seriously, Mom?!?!" look. Such a handsome fellow!!!

She even said good-bye!! What a big girl! Santa 2013 is in the books & couldn't have gone better!!!

Christmas Tree Time!!!

The kiddos are still in that super fun stage, loving the Elves on the Shelf and making it look all things Christmas around here. We had a blast putting up the tree this year. Everyone played their part and it made for one amazing tree....

All ready to work their magic!!!

Daddy's favorite ornament!!! Ha!

Best teamwork EVER!

Ty's better than me at spreading them out and making them balance!!!

(I'm IN LOVE with Tay's low ornament hanging this year. She was sooooo proud and, despite the fact that there wasn't much room for presents under the tree, you know that I didn't dare move one of her beautifully placed decorations. So stinkin' cute!!!)

Amazing job, Munchkins!!! You did fabulous...and I couldn't imagine a better tree!!!