We had a great Christmas! I have always loved Christmas but experiencing it through our little ones eyes makes it so much more magical.
We started the season off right with a trip to visit Santa at Phipps Plaza.
John all smiles walking through the mall.
Slightly concerned while waiting in line to see Santa.
And..... full meltdown which included pulling Santa's glasses off. Even poor Santa was caught off guard. :)
The amazing photographers at Phipps worked their magic to get a decent pic :)
After we got the group photo I took John from Santa and Ella Kate had the most magical time talking to him. We bought the DVD recording their conversation this year and it is the sweetest thing ever. Ella Kate wrote her own letter to Santa this year and on the back included John's list. HaHa.
Her list included Minnie Mouse Boutique, Mermaids, and a LaLaloopsy doll.
John's list was simple - Cars.
Loved watching her talk to Santa. So proud of her for not being shy.
John is all smiles in the parking lot after he got a candy cane.
Dave and I had a fun date night at the SEC Championship game.
We were so excited to get these tickets. Good seats at a reasonable price = fun night!
About to walk in to cheer on the Dawgs.
Sweet Baby Kaleb is one!!!
This picture cracks me up. This is when I realized my attempt for the perfect family Christmas Card photo was not going to happen this year :) HaHa
Now what is amazing is that this picture was taken no more than 5 mins later and everyone smiled :) Papa and LeLe with 3 of their 4 grandbabies. We missed you Josh.
Ella Kate loves her baby cousin Kaleb.
Great Aunt Mary and Papa.
What this little boy was interested in doing instead of taking a family photo. Well I guess I can't really blame him. He is ALL boy.
Ready to have some cake for Kaleb's 1st B'day celebration.
Way to go Baby Kaleb!! You clearly enjoyed your smash cake.
My little princess before we headed out for a Mommy Daughter Date to see the NutCracker at the Fox. It was such a special experience. We went with Mrs. Laura and Rebecca and it was truly perfect. We had great seats and the Fox even has booster seats for the little ones to help them see. We took the girls to the Melting Pot for chocolate fondue afterwards. Love these sweet times with my girl.
These sweet girls were so excited to see the "princesses" perform in the Nutcracker.
Outside the box office of the Fabulous Fox Theatre.
Loved all the decorations.
Yep, we went all out - popcorn, coke and junior mints.
Ella Kate and her Nana.
Nana with her grandbabies after church.
Christmas Eve Eve in B'ham with all the B'ham cousins. Thanks for hosting all of us this year Aunt Helen!
The "big" girls. Back Row (L to R ~ Presley, McKenzie) Front Row (L to R ~ Logan, Whitley, Ella Kate, Lilly, and Marley).
Love Lilly's pose on this one. That child is hilarious.
We were trying to bribe Lexi and John with chocolate to stand in the pic.
Not the greatest pic but hey it is most of the B'ham cousins. Poor John is the only boy..
Family pic.
Fun Uncle Keith.
Everybody loves Uncle Keith.
John helping Nana get the cake ready to sing Happy Birthday to Wendy.
Singing Happy Birthday.
John really bonded with sweet Presley.
The oldest of the little cousins (McKenzie and Presley)
Two of my fav cousins of whom I have made so many fun memories with over the years (Wendy and Wanda)
Precious Lexi.
Lots of little cousins opening lots of presents. Mass chaos.
These are the American Girl doll sleeping bags and pillows I made for all the little cousins. Thanks LeLe for the idea and help :)
A quick close up of the 8 sleeping bags I made for the cousins.
Ok. So one more pic. I am a little proud of them :)
In my world it is not really Christmas until I have celebrated with the B'ham clan and we play Dirty Santa. Dirty Santa in B'ham is intense. HaHa. We are serious. We give no special treatment to the young or old. Every man for himself. :) This is what I "won" this year.
Showing off my new shirt. It is an authentic PCB original.
Next up is Christmas Eve morning trip to Lego Land with our sweet friend Brooksie Bear.
Dropping pennies in the fountain. Well actually I think we donated alot more than pennies b/c when Nana ran out of pennies instead of telling the kiddos No she started giving them dimes, quarters, etc. Ohhh Nana :)
So sweet. They loved having Brooks with them.
Yay for Legoland.
Dave is clearly having as much fun as the kids if not more.
Sweet Baby John very serious.
Loved watching John and Brooks work together making cars.
And of course their Daddies had to make the most complicated cars possible :)
Time to race the cars we built.
John loved this.
Fun in the Legoland maze :)
Most exciting part of Christmas Eve was an extra special visit from Santa!! He snuck right in our front door and started yelling "Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas."
Ella Kate was in heaven.
John..... well not so much. Maybe next year he will appreciate the magic of Santa.
Poor Santa - Kaleb was not a big fan either.
Ella Kate and Great Grandma.
Hooray, Hooray!!! Santa came!
The lute.
Special Dollhouse from Nana.
And a note from Santa... What does it say... Well it told the kids to look outside b/c he left us a trampoline!!! Wahooo.
What can I say the boys loves Cars and Trucks.
Ella Kate was amazed that Santa brought her just what she wanted.
Lawd help us. :) Another special prize from Nana.
Ella Kate was so excited for Dave and I to open the presents that she "helped" pick out from her and John.
John enjoying his new movies Santa brought but not wanting to sit down b/c there were to many new toys to play with.
The trampoline. We have had the most fun on this trampoline. We jump on it as a family tons and love it!
LeLe and Papa got the older grandkids tennis rackets for Christmas. Ella Kate now loves tennis and can't wait to take lessons this summer :)
Perfect Christmas! Love enjoying the holidays with family!
