Over the hills and through the snow

Well I surely got my wish for a white Christmas this year! We ventured out and drove to mom and dads to celebrate our Christmas Eve with them since Evan was home and we'd be out of state for Christmas. We are feeling in the holiday spirit that is for sure!

The pictures tell the best story and I will only add words here and there to explain: Ella enjoying the tree and ALL the beautifully wrapped gifts!



Making reindeer food and spreading it in the driveway!

Tucked into the big bed all three together

A few gifts had to be opened the night before

Carter was so tickled with the gift Ella so thoughtfully picked out for him! She was overwhelmed with all his loving affection.

Equally excited about the remote control Cars car Uncle Evan gave him! I think this Christmas was Carter's most animated! He was more than over the moon with the socks in his stocking!

Elle & Carter picked out this special musical aquarium for Christan's crib

Carter discovered a new perspective

to playing with his new cars

Elle writing Santa

Ella and Grandma sharing The Night Before Christmas




Opening stockings is always a favorite

"Oh my d-oodness sakes! I willy wike my new John Deere Tractor"

Elle with her American Girl doll. This was the only gift she asked Santa for! She has named her Ainsley....Moorlag (of course)







Tired and thrilled all at once

Ella with Dad, Ainsley, and her new beautiful rocking chair from Grandma and Grandpa

Ella went shopping at school this year and picked out the following gifts for our family:

this Mickey mouse clock for Carter He loves it! and she is so proud!






A beautiful 'pink diamond' bracelet for mom.

Ainsley in her winter outfit

Scott did such a great job catching this picture of Carter with his snow globe. He shakes it watching the snow fall and comparing it to the gorgeous snow fall outside.

*If you notice there aren't any pictures of Christian on Christmas morning its because the little darling is sound asleep in his pack n play. You see, Ella and Christian have this tradition of memorable Christmas Eve's at my parents. Ella's second Christmas at 18 months she was sick for the very first time. She threw up for three straight hours and we had to take her to the emergency room. This year, Christian cried until 2:50 when Scott braved the blizzardous conditions and drove what should have been a quick 10 minutes to the 24 hour gas station for pain reliever. Since the roads were so treacherous it took FOREVER! Christian finally went down around 4:00. Of course, mom and Evan, our early risers were up anxiously awaiting the kids awakening (having completely missed all the drama in the wee hours of the morning). The kids were up after 6. Scott and I scored yet another beautiful Christmas memory and probably 2 1/2 hours worth of sleep. Hey it beats the memories from last Christmas when the tree fell on our house ripping off the power source and Scott being stranded by himself for almost 5 days cuddled up next to the generator making sure our basement didn't flood! SHEEZE what is with our family and Christmas memories??