Christmas Day

We sure had a very merry Christmas, and hope you did too! 

At our house, Santa fills stockings with practical items (like fun Bandaids and new toothbrushes) and brings the boys one "larger" gift. Creed and I usually wrap a few gifts from us as well. 

Excitement coming down the stairs...

Luke was really upset when he didn't see his trampoline. Caleb quickly read the letter from Betty to Luke that included a message from Santa: "Check the Basement."

While we were in the basement, Luke found his new drum set from Peepaw and Grandma Beth. 

Back upstairs, it was time to open stockings and other presents.

Caleb was really, really excited about his new keyboard stand and bench from Peepaw and Grandma Beth. He probably talked about it the most!

Hallie Girl liked her new toy!

You know you are getting old when the gifts you are most excited about are...

a cooler 

and kitchen appliances! (I have already used my Paderno Spiral Vegetable Slicer and LOVE it!)

While we stayed home all morning and early afternoon, we did head to Creed's aunt's house for a little while, but since we were hosting dinner at our house, we couldn't stay long.

Luke and cousin Reed were so cute in their matching tops.

The big boys (Evan, Caleb, and Eli) were busy playing games

while Ava and Reagan played with dolls.

The Fowler Kids

Eli, Evan, Reagan, Caleb, Ava, Luke, and Reed 

(Baby Grant was cuddling in someone's arms at the time.)

Christmas Eve

Uncle Matt's flight was super late getting in (2:30am!!) so the boys were super excited to see him on Christmas Eve morning.

On Christmas Eve, we had dinner with extended family at Aunt Joyce & Uncle Jim's house. It was another amazing meal and we all ate way to much! Again. :)

Sweet Brothers

Baby and Big

Caleb, Caroline, & Luke

My handsome date :)

There were 30+ young cousins at dinner, yet I noticed the Hume's were sticking together. 

The kids opened one small gift and Caleb was eager to try out his recorder.

Bri, Paige, & Luke

(It won't be long til Briana is officially a part of the family!)

Even the Hume grownups (and Zach) were sticking together!

After we left the Blacketer family Christmas, we went to Aunt Robin's for the Stoltz family Christmas. Luke was exhausted at this point (it was already past his bedtime) and I found him with a candy cane and a cookie. (He had plenty of dessert earlier, too!)

Caleb had talked about a Lego Creator Tree house for months, and was so excited when he opened it!

Shortly after presents, it was clear that they boys were just plain exhausted so we hurried home and got them to bed. After reading our last Nativity story from our advent calendar, it was lights out and lots of excitement over Santa's arrival. 

As excited about Christmas as Caleb was, he was also pretty bummed because it meant everything would end. He LOVED having Betty around, opening his Advent calendar each day, and all the excitement leading up to Christmas. I completely understood his feelings! 

Christmas Eve Eve

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas! 

We are wore out, but had a wonderful holiday, full of time with family, yummy food, and priceless memories.

On Christmas Eve Eve we had dinner and celebrated at Grandma and Grandaddy's house. After an amazing meal and way too many desserts, we opened presents. We are so blessed and thankful for our family!

Luke and cousin Kyle are buddies these days.

Kyle, Caroline, Emma, and Caleb

JOY

Dr. Fowler

I loved watching Caleb's expression when he opened his gifts. He was so excited!

Briana, Luke, Zach (with Adam & Grandma in the background)

Sweet Caroline

A group shot

The Hume Family

Silly faces, although this is actually pretty realistic of our group. ;)

Our Family 

Silliness with Paige

After we got home, it was time for Betty to leave her last mark on Christmas 2014. Apparently she decided to toilet paper our living room...

and then hang herself from a toilet paper roll in the foyer.

Uncle Drew was amazed at her work. :)

Celebrating at School

On December 19th, both boys had their Christmas parties at school. Both parties included pizza, games, and lots of sweet treats. So thankful for their loving teachers and sweet friends.

Caleb's class (really the whole 1st and 2nd grade hallway!) was hit hard with the flu, a stomach bug, and a random fever bug. While Caleb thankfully stayed well, lots of his friends missed school the two weeks leading up to break. 

Caleb, Xavier, & Taylor

(All 3 of these friends were in the same 2 year old preschool class together!)

The whole gang 

(except for Paige, Madelyn, and Hunter)

We all LOVE Mrs. Coverdell!!

I helped out in Caleb's room, but was able to sneak over to Luke's class for a few minutes. Creed was also able to drop by and see the boys.

That face

We all LOVE Mrs. Fisher too!!