Christmas Celebrations

 The Saturday before Christmas, my mom hosted the annual Rogers' Family Christmas at their house. It was a good time seeing extended family that we don't get to see near often enough. We had lots of food, and another fun gift exchange! All the kids played and played and had the best time. They also had a special visit from Santa this year, who brought his list and checked each one of them off!

Carter was not so sure of this Santa, and was happy to watch from afar. But was excited when he called his name and gave him a new transformer. :)

Ella wanted nothing to do with him. She spent the first few minutes in Grandad's lap, then quickly migrated to Mommy's arms, and whispered things in my ear such as "Mommy, I want to go home" and "Play in Ella's room?" She wanted to be very far away from him. Until he called her name. Then, she was all about it, for some reason.

Ella's turn.

Thanks to my cousins Heather and Leigh Ann for these pictures from another angle. Ella's reaction was priceless when Santa showed her a new pillow pet.

 

"WOWWW!" She said....

  

All the "kids" (Okay, maybe some of them aren't kids anymore)

And everyone is looking and smiling! Success!

Santa with Granny Mary and Aunt Opal (holding Braydon, the youngest cousin)

On Christmas Eve we had Eric's parents over for presents and lunch. Both kids' were excited to open gifts!!

Fun morning with the Beckmans. And we thank you for all the goodies!!! 

We rested up the rest of the afternoon, then got ready to go to church with my parents.

All dressed up and looking adorable!

Loved both of these family shots

Love this pic too, but missing Matty boy :(

<3 br="">

They love Uncle Andrew

And, Ella's done.

Carter did great at church. He loved all the Christmas music! He even held his own candle when it was time for the candlelight! Love love love this picture of him. So precious.

 

Ella was pretty wiggly and got a little loud at times. At one point mid-sermon, the minister said something about "And then they heard the shots." {quiet} And Ella hollers really loud, "SHOTS?!" .....climbs up into my lap all concerned, "I don't like shots...." she says. That got everyone within 10 feet of us giggling. Soooo funny!!

Not crazy about the flame....

After church we enjoyed a delicious dinner, some apple cider, and watched a little bit of The Grinch before heading out to look at some amazing Christmas lights in the area. When we got home it was time to get ready for Santa and bed. We set out cookies and milk, and carrots for the reindeer. After saying goodbye to Nana, Grandad, and Andrew, we read a Christmas book and headed up to bed. Carter was so, so excited/anxious about Santa coming, we didn't even have to ask him to go upstairs.... he asked us, "Can we go to bed now?" Awesome.

All ready for Santa to come!

Yes, Ella is eating a cookie.... she said Santa needed to share!

And, Santa came!!

Christmas Day coming in the next post!!

Christmastime!

Christmas is next week, and we've been feeling pretty Christmassy around here!

I snapped a few cute pictures of Ella admiring the snow village. 

And Eric telling the kids a Christmas story

Carter had his little Christmas program at school last week. I was very proud of him how he stood on stage and sang all the songs. He did great! And Ella loved watching, too!

 
We took the kids to see Santa this week. Carter was looking forward to telling Santa what he wanted and did just that. Ella was excited to go see him, but when it was our turn, she clammed up and didn't want to sit with him on his lap. So we opted for the rocking horse instead, and she was VERY happy about that.... as you can tell! She did get a little bit brave once the photo was taken and told Santa that she wanted a reindeer. Hmmmm. ??

Yesterday was Carter's last day of school before Christmas break, and he had a class party that Ella and I went to. Here he is making a Christmas tree craft.

 And creating a yummy Christmas tree snack. (Ella had to, too!)

 And playing a game with his classmates

 Classroom party craziness!

 All the kids popping their snow balls and making it snow.

 Ella loves going to Carter school, and especially into his classroom. She fits right in and thinks she's part of the class, too! HA!

Carter made Christmas gifts for Eric and me. Love these! The plate is so special because I remember making these for my parents as a kid. In fact, if you go to my Mom's house today, she still has them all in her cabinets. My kids' usually eat their meals off of them. So happy to get my first one from him!

 And he painted the picture frame.... the light bulbs are his finger prints. The picture was taken on pajama day at school a few weeks ago. Perfection!!  

Looking forward to family Christmas celebrations this weekend and Santa coming next week!! ;)