Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all!!  What a day!!  It started by everyone sleeping in!  In fact, I was the first awake at 7:30!  Yes, 7:30!!  When your kids have gotten up at 6am for years upon years, 7:30, especially on Christmas morning, feels like noon!  The kids patiently waited for daddy to make sure Santa had already left the building and then they charged!  (see blurred pic below)

For the last couple years, Santa has left a little gift at each childs door in the morning - what a happy surprise!  Both kids received new clothes for their build-a-bears (pjs, fluffy vest/boots and a spiderman costume).

 Demo time!

 Stocking time - Glue sticks!!  Exactly what Riley asked for!!

 Later that day everyone came over for a great dinner and much more fun! 

Christmas events - 2011

 December has been sooo much fun and packed filled with activities and excitement!  Kyle is still obsessed with football and is beyond excited about going to a VCU basketball game with Daddy next week.  Riley loves school and her teacher would like her to test for GT.  No matter the outcome of the tests, we think it is an honor that her teacher feels she is qualified! 

The very best way to remember the month is through pictures:

Scout came back and had a blast getting into trouble and hiding from the kids but he was always watching!!

Aunt Darcy took the kids to see a VERY lit up home near their home - this one was on TLC!

Riley also finished up 10 weeks of Kids Jazzercise! She loved it and the group did a performance for us at the end of class - Adorable!!

Riley made gingerbread houses in school and Grandma and Papa send yummy cookies!!

Riley's holiday party at school in PJ's!                         Eric and me at the neighborhood Gala:

 

We also visited Santa and Mrs. Clause!  Santa also came to the neighborhood on the Firetruck again.  Every year, we can hear the truck and we wait and wait and wait... and it is COLD!  However this year, it was beautiful out but it didn't matter b/c the Firetruck nearly started at our house therefore we almost missed him all together!

 And we went Christmas Caroling in the neighborhood! 

 

 We also visiting Lewis Ginters Festival of Lights with our Daisy Troop!

 Daddy and Jack took the kids down to the Richmond Christmas Parade  (while I was visiting Grandma after shoulder surgery)  I think I see a new tradition!!  Look at Rudolf with the big band aid... in last years parade he hit a stop light and deflated!

Riley also had 2 teeth pulled and a bunch of other stuff - now she has a spacer.  She was so brave!

Riley and I also had tea at Feathernesters - such a fun afternoon!