Christmas Festivities!

We're about a week from Christmas, and we've already had lots of fun this season! 

Some of my sweet MOPS table ladies had a fun night in this month!

And my neighborhood bunco group had a pajama night and gift exchange, while our sweet hostess provided a yummy and fancy dinner! Way more than we're used to!

 

We've scarred Cole with a Santa visit! HA! 

Below was the one we purchased....

But then I found out that they upload all your shots to your online account. Any mom would have taken pictures of her computer screen to make sure to document this hilarity, not just me.... right?! So, we have a medley of screaming Santa pics.... Pick your fav! :)

While I personally found Cole's red faced screaming through all the pictures to be so dang funny, Eric was cringing and frowning the whole time. He couldn't wait to snatch that little boy back from Santa and kiss his little head. Daddy has a soft spot!

This is our 7th Christmas with at least one little one, and our very first screaming picture! I love that I FINALLY got one!

And while I was there, I found the past 2 years outtakes, too! Not quite as hilarious, but still cute and fun to look back on!

2014

 2013

So next up we have Ella's little Christmas program. She's been practicint these songs for weeks, and seemed to be excited to perform! She found me right off the bat, and I got a big smile and wave, although blurry, but you get the idea :) Also, Eric was out of town, so Nana came with me, and Ella spotted Nana at this time, too.

She was whispering with a friend while they got everyone situated....

And then out of no where we got this.....

Pouting, hiding her face, trying not to cry ???? WHAT?! So this went on for the first song, then her teacher walked up there and got her, carried her down, talked a little bit while the rest of the kids did their second song, and she decided to try again for the third song.

And then, once she got back up there, we got this. Again.

I don't know what got into her! I think she was nervous because of the crowd or something, who knows. But it sure gave us a laugh.

Then Ms. Karen came to get her, and she say there on the steps of the stage in her lap for the rest of the program.

How pitiful is she?! And I did NOT see that one coming. She did so great at her little performance last year, I guess I just expected the same. Oh well, I guess there is always next year!

She was all smiles after the fact though, of course!

On her last school day before the break, Cole and I joined her for her Christmas party. They read a cute little book...

 Played pin the red nose of Rudolph....

 .....and did a book exchange.

 Selecting a gift to open

 Cole had to get in on the mix and check it all out

 Then they finished up with cake for Jesus' birthday!

 Pointing out her Rudolph nose... a little off, ha!

On Friday, we went to Carter's school for his winter party. Their class played Grinch bingo

 and had snow cones and donuts for snack.

 Fun way to finish out the first half of 1st grade!!

That same night, we met some friends for dinner in the square, and hung around to enjoy all the festivities. Four of the 6 kids in front of the tree. The little guys were cuddled up in strollers and didn't make the pic :)

 We did the carriage ride around the square, and they loved it, times a million! Ella could not wipe the smile off her face the entire time. So magical!!

 Sweet smiles.

 Freezing, but so fun!

 The best I could do to get all 5 of us!

 Some pictures with all the pretty lights.

 Cole really loved looking at them all

 There were also snow flurries that fell every 15 mins or so that the kids loved!

We did pony rides and a petting zoo to finish out our night. I was so proud of Carter! He has never been one to go out on a limb with things like pont rides and such..... just always felt safer to skip. But this time he wanted to, and I think he was really glad he did!

 Also, I went in with Cole and put him on a pony, and he screamed bloody murder! So that didn't happen, ha! I was honestly surprised he even noticed the pony beneath him, but he sure did, and did not like it! So, we watched from behind the gate instead :)

On our way home, we stopped at one of our favorite houses that does Christmas lights to music near our neighborhood for a little show. We watched a couple of songs worth, the final one being "Let It Go" (Ella's fav!!). Even Cole loved watching out the window!

Lots of fun things going on, it sure is a wonderful time of year!! Excited for no school, family time, meals, presents, and all that fun to come!!