Merry Christmas to all...

and to all a good night! Before our heads hit pillows, I thought it was about time I got caught up blogging. During the last month, we've been spending spreading the holiday cheer by:

Visiting Santa: three times. We were all ready to go the first time, got to Santa, took in of all the winter wonderland and as soon as Santa caught Will's eye, the happiness that was plastered on his face immediately turned to fear and he started backing up as fast as he could. After a family photo opp with Santa (hence, no photo on my camera), another "trial run" with a kind of creepy Santa and lots of prep, this is the result of our third attempt at visiting Santa:

2009 Christmas classic

I love this picture, by the way. I think that Santa's "helpers" thought I was a bit crazy when I delcared it "perfect," but it totally depicts what the boys thought of Santa this year. Jack is really into him (& asked for Candy Land- the castle version, with only one box remaining in the entire Des Moines Metro, I believe) and Will, while excited about Santa, isn't so sure up close.

Decked the Halls: and really let the boys help with the tree. The perfectionist side of me was tempted to rearrange decorations once the boys were in bed, but I'm so glad I refrained.

I LOVE the super heavy lower right-side of the tree...

Baked Christmas treats: We made a couple rounds of holiday cookies... the boys were a huge help, as you can tell:)

I think something about the sprinkles made Will a little nutty

Celebrated with family & friends: We made a trip to Minnesota to see almost all of my extended family. I can't remember the last time we were able to all be together. It was so much fun! The boys also had a Christmas play date with some of their friends... complete with pin the nose on Rudolph, making snowflake ornaments & Christmas cupcakes. We also have been able to spend Christmas Eve (and the couple days prior) with Nanny, but more on that later...

my super cute girl cousins & me

Jack is quite the entertainment coordinator...

I can't wait to fill you in on all the of the details of our fabulous Christmas Eve. What an amazing gift God gave us to celebrate! We can't wait to have Jesus' birthday party tomorrow!