He is the Reason that We Sing!

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14

What a beautiful Christmas Day it was! Beautiful snow on the ground, kids in their pj's all day, time with family and friends--all a constant reminder of how BLESSED we are.

We hope your Christmas was merry and bright, friends! I've included a few Christmas morning pics below!

I must include one funny story from Henry. When he first woke up Christmas morning, he immediately ran downstairs and dumped out his stocking. After seeing what was in it, he sadly said that he thought Santa had forgotten his Batcopter. We told him that perhaps he should see if the stockings were all Santa left. When he ran in the other room he was floored to see the presents! David and I loved enjoying their excitement, which is why I failed to capture more pics of Christmas!

And I could not leave out a pic of our white Christmas!!

More Christmas Eve Festivities!

After going to Cullman, we headed back to Birmingham for another family gathering for dinner!

Grace loved her new vanity, but so did Grant! We laughed so much about him playing with Grace's new hairdryer!

Christmas Eve with the Cousins!

Grace Ann & Doris Ann (Nana!) We had a wonderful lunch and spent great time with our family in Cullman on Christmas Eve. The kids had a blast. It is amazing to me how fast they are all growing up.

Grayson loved his little people barn

Preston loved his Nintendo DS!

Will is getting so big! He'll be seven in a few days!

Grant thought the chapstick in his stocking was so wonderful that he chose to rub it all over his face!

Grace loved opening presents and receiving her fun girly gifts!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Grant is choosing to celebrate Christmas Eve by enjoying an unlimited supply of yogurt for breakfast! Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

Cuddle Bugs

Grace was sitting on the couch and said, "Wud you, Bubba." (Love you, Bubba.) Grant said, "Wuv you too." Every morning these two get on the couch with a blanket, their milk, and each other to watch cartoons. So sweet! It is really fun to watch them love each other! (I'm sure Henry would be right in the middle of it if he were up, but he's a late sleeper.)

Bethlehem in Birmingham

Our church put on their annual production of the live nativity tonight. We had such a fun time. Mimi, Papa, Uncle Michael & Aunt Lindsey joined us for dinner at our house, and then we all went together. This year the story really started to have meaning for Henry, and Grant and Grace discovered the animals for the first time!

Oh, just typical Christmas insanity!

Today was just one of those days mommies of young children (ok--all mommies) have sometimes. I really wanted to go on strike!! The kids wouldn't nap this afternoon, and our morning outing was crazier than anticipated; it was just one thing after another all day it seemed. We headed to McWane to let the kids see the Winter Wonderland exhibit, which is awesome! Unfortunately, everyone in the state of Alabama apparently thinks it is awesome as well, so it was extremely crowded. I was doing my best to chase three munchkins in opposite directions with my double stroller and bags in tow, but I eventually gave up! Here are the few pics I did manage to get:

This is the huge slide! The kids loved it. When David goes back with us I want to go down it too!! (I couldn't today since I had the babies who were to little for it.)
All three munchkins watching the Vulcan ball machine.

This is a pic of us back downstairs after we left the third floor due to the mass hysteria of children! (I wish I had more pics, but I was too busy chasing kids!)

Last Sunday we kicked off our week of family Christmas gatherings by going to Dad's side of the family. The kids had a blast. I loved Grant's expression when he opened his "Chuck the talking truck!" And below, Grace was equally in awe of her new Dora doll!

A pic of some of the cousins with Nana & Poppy

This may be the funniest picture of the season so far. We went to a very big, fun Christmas party on Friday night. There were probably over 100 people there. It was a blast. Grant decided so much for sippy cups, he had moved on! (In case you cannot tell, he is digging through a cooler of beer!) Don't worry, he only wanted to play with the ice, but it sure was a funny pic!

Class Christmas Party!

Mrs. Leonora with "her guys" as she calls them-- a class with all boys this year!

David and I enjoyed attending Henry's Christmas party at his school today. He came home with a grocery sack full of goodies and crafts! The kids were super excited, and we enjoyed being included in the fun!

Typical Christmas Havoc

Grace found out today at the dentist that her tooth is in tact and stable! Hooray for keeping your teeth, Grace!

I have a growing pile of presents to be re-wrapped for Christmas. The munchkins are way too excited! This is where I found Grant this afternoon. Little troublemakers!!

I am lucky to have three little piglets ready and willing to sample Christmas baking at any moment. I baked for their Christmas class parties this afternoon during nap time, and they had to sample the treats when they saw them!

I must admit they are not the neatest eaters around. However, as soon as I told Grant he made a mess, he said, "Jake! Teen up, Jake! (Clean up, Jake!)" I guess that old dog is good for something :)

The Christmas Season in Full Swing!

We had 5 Christmas parties between Thursday & Saturday. It was fun, but crazy. Thursday night we had our annual B'ham EAT party (supper club group) which was awesome as always. Grace got to attend her first mother daughter Christmas brunch with me, which was fun. I had some great adult time at Laura's breakfast sans kiddos & husband. Michael got to go to the Birmingham Bar party with me and Dad, which was great too! Friday night David and I also attended our "Tacky" Sunday School Christmas Party, so here is the humiliating pic! (And if you think we were bad, let's just say we did not even get an honorable mention. The outfits from our funny friends were hilarious!)

Grant loves the camera. He makes it so easy to get great pics. Of course Grace is the complete opposite and gives me extremely stern looks if I even point the camera in her direction. We were playing around this morning getting the kids ready for church and I captured a few pics of them.
Grace and Grant had fun reading books by the fire with Mimi last night! We went over for a little while and had chili. It was perfect i the cold weather!

Arthur!!

Our elf, Arthur, has not been on his best behavior. Last night he took Henry's underwear and decorated the lights above the kitchen table. Henry assures me he will let Santa know about this when Santa visits his school today!

We LOVE Santa!