Christmas

Christmas was just plain awesome this year. Jared's parents flew in from Arizona and stayed a few days with us and then we all drove to Jared's sister's house and spent Christmas with her and her family. It was great to all be together. We didn't get a chance to see any of them last Christmas.
Logan was totally excited about Christmas this year and even had a count down chain and when it was time to take a link off the chain, he was SO excited. Savannah could spot anything with Santa Claus on it from a mile away and would shout Santa at the top of her lungs. They loved looking at Christmas lights at night and when we drove around they would shout CHRISTMAS! It was just so fun to feel their excitement. I seriously think Christmas is more fun as a parent and getting so excited for your kids than it was being a kid and getting your own presents.
It was fun spending Christmas Eve and Christmas with the Peterson's (Jared's sister) and getting to see some of their traditions, a few we will be adopting as our own.
Amy prepared a delicious turkey dinner on Christmas Eve and had a fancy schmancy table set up for everyone included name tags assigned to our seats:

Then we had a little Christmas program to remember the real reason for the season.
Grant sat with Noah and read A Christmas Gift for Ellen, a wonderful Christmas story!
Then Conner read the most important Christmas story from Luke 2.

Then the kids opened up their new pajamas they get on Christmas Eve (Peterson tradition) and you can see Savannah in her cute new princess pj's with Conner making a gingerbread house. She was fascinated.

Logan working with Abigail on their gingerbread house:

Then the kids headed outside in the freezing cold to throw out some food for the reindeer. Here is Abigail throwing it around the yard.

Conner giving Savannah and Logan their share of the reindeer food to throw out:

Forgetful Mommy forgot to bring the kids stockings to Amy's house with us so Santa left their stocking gifts in Christmas bags instead:) Here is Savannah digging into her "stocking":

Of all the goodies in her stocking, the first thing she went to and the only thing she cared about at first was the chocolate candy. This girl LOVES chocolate.

Still sleepy Logan finally got the Innotab he specifically requested from Santa.

Savannah got a table and chair princess set from Santa. Side note: her bruised eye is from a "mishap" with a wooden Louisville mini slugger bat we received as a souvenir after visiting the Louisville slugger museum with Nana and Papa. Note to self: those souvenirs are cool, but they are NOT kid friendly!

The kids got so many great gifts and they have been thoroughly entertained ever since. I made sure to get gifts that would keep them busy:) The best news for them is that we still get to celebrate Christmas again in a few days with my side of the family. These kids are spoiled...and my house is being overtaken by toys.
Amy was a great host and we had a great time. Not to mention that she is having a baby in 3 days. Yup that's right. 9 months pregnant and hosting Christmas for the whole family, cooking fancy dinners at fancy tables, etc. less than a week from having a baby. She is wonder woman!