Key to Christmas

The first present we found was our new Christmas Key. Caleb found it on the tree and Daddy read the passage to accompany it.We hope this will be an initial present for years to come as it reminds us of the true gift of Christmas. Here is Daddy reading about it to the kiddos.

Caleb stopped to spell his name on his present

and excited to show that it had his name on it.

Caleb was equally excited to help Emma Kate with her gifts.

Caleb didn't realize he was supposed to want anything so he was very much delighted with everything. What a sweet spirit he has!

Emma was by far the cutest present under the Christmas tree!

Mommy made her an extra special shirt to wear

When cousin Abby was here, it was definitely a floor full of fun.

Emma enjoyed her new book

and Caleb was impressed with his Word World characters.

Emma was impressed with all of the ribbons. This present,

a Vulli giraffe, has kept her quite entertained since.

Christmas Eve

We tried to snap a few pictures before heading to church.

Caleb was all about the silly faces.

The Christmas Eve service is one of our favorites...so simple, beautiful, and a wonderful reminder that celebrating the birth of Christ points us to what he did for us on the cross and only by that are we able to capture the true meaning of Christmas.

After the Christmas Eve service at church, we went to the Barlow's house for dinner.

Not only is this Emma's first Christmas but also the first for cousin Abby!

Although most of us enjoyed chili, cornbread and Daddy's famous cake, Caleb was impressed with the assortment of crackers and new razorback.

Cookie Creations

We attempted our first gingerbread house this year. It was a two day event but turned out quite cute.

During kitchen breaks, Emma Kate spent a lot of time hanging out under the tree.

Precious Girl!

Emma was ready to help make cookies!

Caleb used his Christmas cookie cutters to help Daddy cut out cookies and then decorate them once cooked. A bath and getting dressed obviously fell in between.

Soon after the decorating I saw a little hand reaching for one of the last cookies and his mouth was green inside and out. When I asked if he was going to save any for Santa or Grandma, he immediately responded no. I learned not to use food coloring markers straight onto the cookies or expect a 3 year old to want to share his edible masterpieces with anyone!

Christmas Fun with Friends

We spent Tuesday with some precious friends. We talk about these kiddos all the time as Caleb loves to see them at church. It was fun to take advantage of Christmas break to spend some time with them.

The weather was absolutely beautiful so the boys were all about the dirt!

Decorating Helpers

We try to involve Caleb in trimming the tree, but realistically that means Matt and I rush to get the tree up with lights on and then the breakable ornaments. Then Caleb gets to put on a few ornaments for pictures and let him feel special. This year Caleb had different ideas. In fact he thought it should snow...inside the house.

Yes that is stuffing from the couch cushion all over the floor. There was so much Daddy didn't even notice all that was in the tree when cleaning up after the incident.

Caleb and Emma Kate peeked at their presents or at least the pretty paper.

Caleb is so sweet to Emma and held the presents close so she could see them.

Emma is holding herself up in a sit but still topples mainly in the direction she looks.

Caleb helped hang our "Key to Christmas" ornament which reminds who this season truly is about.

She is quite fascinated with her toes and proud she can hang onto them.