Christmas 2011

Christmas was so much fun to celebrate as a family this year!  

The older boys being 6 and 4 were able to not only grasp the real meaning of Jesus' birth but also fully enjoy the joyous season and all that comes with it.  And of course, Little Prince was fun to watch as he LOVED the wrapping paper just as much as being captivated with what was underneath...such innocence is a beautiful thing!

Our celebration began on the 23rd as the boys were a part of a live nativity scene as the shepherds.  

This was a fun way to kick things off and be reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Christmas Eve was kicked off with church then back home to a meal with my brother-in-law and mother and father-in-law...(not sure why there are no pics from dinner!)

The BIG deal this year was the ever-so-coveted Leap Pad for the boys.  Apparently this was THE hottest toy this season and was sold out all over the country.  And yet, miracles DO happen, and T and P were incredibly surprised to get their hands around these gifts!

Yep!  These pics say it all!  :)

Then, Christmas Day was much quieter than anticipated with our plans to visit family up north put on hold.  T kicked off the morning by throwing up so we decided to keep the germs to ourselves rather than share that gift on Christmas.

My sweetheart and I could hardly wait to share a huge surprise with the boys...

A special trip 2 weeks after Christmas: GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!  :)

Although the reaction was not quite as YouTube-worthy as we anticipated (due in part to a sick 6 year old), they were happy at the thought of going to a place they only knew in their dreams...

This guy, well, he was more excited about the suitcases than talking about seeing Mickey!

A few days after Christmas, we spent the evening with our dear friends and celebrated Christmas once again.