Christmas 2012

Christmas eve we spent at home, just the 5 of us. I had to work that day, so Jeremy was in charge of our traditional candlelight Christmas eve dinner, prime rib and crab legs. He does such a great job, and it is seriously better than any prime rib you get at a restaurant! I look forward to this all year! It is the only time of year we eat at our dining room table and use our special Christmas tableware.  We enjoyed a birthday cake in honor of baby Jesus to completely overfill our bellies! 

After supper, the kids get to open their presents! 

The anticipation is killing them! 

Carter..PS3/DS games, marshmallow shooter, Nebraska lunchbox

 Claire..Leap pad 2, princess Legos, build a bear

Case..Elephant ball popper, balls, learning apple

After presents we checked Norad to see where Santa was. When we looked, he was heading toward Canada. Claire asked if Canada was close and I said, "well sort of" and told everyone in her most bossy pants way to get to bed! 

The kids actually all slept until about 7 which is a miracle for them! They were so thrilled to see what Santa had left them and filled their stockings with! 

 My kids ask for the most random things! For some reason the only thing they wanted was these giant stuff Tweety birds! Santa listened! He brought Case a little people wheelies car ramp.

We packed up the car and headed to Griswold to have brunch with Grandma Nancy and Lawerence. After filling our bellies there and adding to our loot, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Berry's for more loot and more food. 

 Grandma and Grandpa Berry

 Grandma Mehlmann with great grand kids #10, #11 and #16

 Aunt Darcie and kiddos

 My 96 year old grandma rocking the Santa outfit! 

 Aunt Darcie got Claire her first ball glove. Although she had no clue what to do with it and put it on the wrong hand backwards, she still loved it as it is pink. I think little league may have their work cut out for them! 

Each Christmas we are reminded by how blessed we are with such great family and friends, and especially three healthy happy kids. As busy as we get with work, errands, kids activities, housework, etc, I try to take in every moment with these kiddos as I can. I know all too soon they will be grown and the thrill of Christmas will be different for all of us. We are excited to look ahead to 2013 and the big things we have planned!