Merry Christmas Eve

I think this Christmas season has gone quicker than ever before!

We love our advent traditions, and throughout the years, have accumulated a few.

Each morning Luke had the task of moving the star one more number closer, and it's so hard to believe that we are already at the 24th of December. He was so excited to get to the "big numbers," as he called the two digit ones, a few weeks ago.

Betty came back on December 1st this year, although she seemed to cause a little less trouble than in years before. Trading out the stockings for underwear is always a favorite with the boys. We are all a little sad to have to say good bye to her tonight, at least until next year.

The boys also loved their special advent calendar that Grandma Kathy got them last year. While Luke got to pull out the candy or gift each day, it was Caleb's job to read a Bible verse from the Christmas story.

We added a new, well actually two, Lego City advent calendars this year. The boys were so excited each morning to put together a little figure and were sad to have to open door #24 this morning. 

The last advent we do each day is in Caleb's room. We read a little booklet each night, each one telling part of the Christmas story, and then each is hung on his tree. Only one more to go...

Tonight we will visit with two sides of the family, eat way to much, exchange a few gifts, and then head home to put cookies and milk out for Santa. Such an exciting time, and we are so thankful for all we have to celebrate!

***

As I am writing this our Christmas Eve plans have changed. Caleb has had a cold for a few days, but has started running a low fever, so he and Creed will stay home tonight while Luke and I make the rounds. He is pretty bummed out, but is looking forward to staying home with his dad and building a solar robot that he got last night. ;) Hoping he is well tomorrow!

Our Gingerbread House

The boys loved decorating their gingerbread house this year. I decided to again use hot glue to assemble to house, so it was ready (and sturdy!) for lots of icing and candy. 

Let the FUN begin!

We have had a week of FUN around here! 

Creed and Caleb scored tickets to the new Star Wars movie the night before it officially opened. While it made for a long night, they both liked the movie and Caleb especially loved all the hoopla of opening night. 

**By the way, if you plan to see the movie, make sure you don't talk to Caleb about it before you go. He is what you would call a spoiler.** 

Luke and cousin Bennett had a blast running around Marshma and Papa's basement. They are so cute together.

The girls in my small group at church had a progressive dinner and I hosted the last stop- dessert! Yum!

Last Friday Luke had his Christmas party at school. I love seeing him interact with his friends at school. 

Their reindeer faces

We had to take a reindeer picture too.

 Love my sweet boy!

I also LOVE my ornament! 

Cutest reindeer ever!

Later that afternoon I visited Caleb's party, but did a terrible job taking pictures. This is the only one I got.

Saturday night we celebrated Christmas with Grandma Kathy, Erika, Ed, Ava, and Claire.

Sweet cousins

I love getting my hands on sweet Claire. 

And those cheeks...oh my! Precious!

They just look so grown up these days.

Kathy got the kids wearable blankets and Caleb's cracks me up. 

Sunday afternoon we celebrated Christmas at Grandmom & Grandpa's house. 

The highlight so far this year is Caleb's (much anticipated!) Miposaur that he named Dino. I have to admit...I have enjoyed playing with Dino as well. ;)

That night we went to Sake Blue to celebrate Aunt Briana's birthday, Uncle Luke's graduation, Aunt Paige's new job, and the boys being out of school for two weeks! 

We have all been staying up late, taking much needed naps, eating way to many sweets, and simply hanging out around the house. It's been wonderful! 

Catching Up

Well, I blinked and it's almost Christmas! 

We have been having a wonderful and busy holiday season this year, enjoying the Christmas lights while it's in the low 70s outside! We finished shopping (Hooray for Amazon's week of Black Friday deals!) and are enjoying all the festivities now.  

The weekend before Thanksgiving, we decorated and put up the tree. I love putting all of our ornaments on the tree, as each one brings back a very special memory.

I was a complete failure at taking pictures at Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful meal with Creed's family in Charleston and somehow I didn't take a single picture. :( 

On Black Friday, we headed to the lake to spend the rest of the weekend with my dad's side of the family. On Saturday we had a huge oyster feast and all the neighbors even came.

Poor Drew got stuck cleaning about 400 oysters! Yes, that many oysters were cleaned, steamed, shucked and eaten.

Caleb tried his first oyster and I was ready...

First, and last, at least for a while. ;)

The crazy boys also did a "polar bear plunge" in the frigid Claytor Lake water. (Keep in mind this lake is fed from mountain rivers and streams, so it is always a little colder...)

Drew

Caleb

Creed

Matt

(His expression is priceless!)

Luke was the only one with some sense! He said he would do a polar bear plunge in warm water. ha!

The first weekend of December we had our annual Christmas celebration with the Dursts and Whitworths. Hard to believe how big these kids are getting. 

Legos!

Luke is a marketing executive's dream. He loves commercials and wants every single thing he sees. He had been talking about the spoon that is also a straw (found in cereal boxes) for a while, so when I found the Apple Jacks with it, I had to get a box.

Luke also learned that it isn't as cool as he thinks... ;) 

(He later told me he doesn't like drinking milk. Um, I already knew that!)

The second grade performed at the "all school" Christmas program. Caleb is in the front row, three from the right. Clearly I sat on the wrong side of the sanctuary. 

This past weekend we had my work's Christmas party on Saturday night and Creed's work Christmas party of Sunday night. This was us before his party. I sure had a handsome date!