Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning- 2012

This year was definitely the best Christmas I have had as a mother. I feel like my boys are the perfect age for fun presents and still believe in the magic of it all. Christmas Eve was another story. We tried to read Luke 2, but they were just too excited. Dean and Dawson tried to put our nativity together while Jonathan read, but Bentley kept knocking it down. It was a little chaotic.

It is strict Walker tradition that everyone gets to open their jammies on Christmas Eve. 

 These adorable PJs were made by Grandma Walker.

 Cookies and milk for Santa, carrots for the reindeer

 Dawson gets the award for the best "I just got the best present ever!" reaction to all his presents. This one was over Mickey Mouse fruit snacks in his stocking.

 See what I mean? He's excited already and hasn't even opened it yet.

 Santa rocked it this year with a talking Yoda

 And a Beyblade Dome

 Dawson always steals my fuzzy blanket, so Santa got him his very own that he doesn't have to share with anyone.

 Batman piggy bank to keep his "monies" in

 Mama enjoying it all

 Santa brought Bentley a baby. First thing he did was kiss it.

 Jonathan got some much needed ties from the boys

 Our Christmas breakfast was McDonalds. Jonathan figured if he was going to cheat and eat gluten, it might as well be their breakfast wraps. 

Visiting Santa at The Old Cannery

I never got around to taking the kids to see Santa at the mall because I just hate the idea of spending $22 on one picture, but the boys kept asking to go see him. I found out that on Saturdays, Santa comes to The Old Cannery in Sumner. What a success! We will be coming back here every year. They have an area set up for the kids to sit and watch Christmas cartoons while the parents wait in line. They're so smart.

 Once the boys realized who they were waiting for, they wanted to wait in line with Daddy.

 I was on Bentley duty. We walked all over the warehouse, got the kids free popcorn, and played on the little bridge. He didn't want to get off this thing. I kept having to pick him up so other kids could get their picture on it.

Santa was great. The elves took a few pictures (for free!), then Santa spend a few minutes chatting with the boys, asking what they wanted, then telling them they needed to help me out around the house (ya right). I guess it was casual Saturday for Santa; he was sporting a festive vest instead of his red jacket. 

December 2012

I can't believe how much fun with had this December. It helped that my sister Shelby had made us an activity advent calendar, so each day the boys picked out an activity we could do together. One day they got to make Christmas scenes.

 The boys went with Jonathan to pick out our tree while I was in Florida. They did a great job! Dean looks a little scary with those scissors, though.

 Growing up, I always had a homemade stocking. Mine hanging up is the one I used as an older child. I bought felt last year to make stocking for the rest of my family and finally got around to doing it this year.

 Bath time is always the craziest and loudest time in our home.

 The best thing about this December was we actually got snow! It was only on the ground for 2 days, but the kids were in heaven. They played outside all day with the neighbor boys.

Here's the little snowman Dean and I made.

 I was trying to take a picture of Bentley playing with the nativity because it was so cute to watch him, but he saw me with the camera and gave me the cheesiest smile.

 Cookie making day at Grandma Kathy's. Dawson went a little crazy with his frosting and sprinkles.

 Cousin Lincoln

 Guess how much of that cookie actually got eaten? Not much. Next time maybe he'll lay off the mini chocolate chips.

 For the past 7 years, we've had an adults only family Christmas dinner. We eat a beautiful dinner, usually prepared by Shelby, then we play games. It's always a fun night.

 Shelby, Aaron, Brittany

 Bentley is getting pretty picky with his foods these days. One food he can't resist? Donuts of course! He takes after his mommy.

November 2012

We enjoyed the most beautiful November. Even though it was chilly, the sun was out for most of the month. I love seeing the colors change and the leaves fall. It made me miss the beautiful fall seasons we had when we lived in Cleveland.

 We had my family over for dinner on Jonathan's birthday. Roman and Dean were so sweet and made books for Jonathan.

 Grandma Kathy joined in on the fun and gave Bentley horsey rides.

 These cuties are Shelby's twins, Jordan and Troy.

My sisters and I have a crazy tradition of going out to shop on Black Friday. I personally love that it starts at 9 pm on Thanksgiving because then I get home with plenty of time to sleep before getting back up! We stood in line at Target for a long long time in the freezing cold, but it was worth it. We were lucky enough to see some friends, Farrah Hudson and Diane Mancini who cut in line and chatted with us.