Christmas!

These first two photos weren't really about Christmas, just Isaac showing off that he is 5 years old.  And adorable.

I had two eager helpers the day before Christmas.  We made spritz cookies for Santa.  It's our tradition.

Nora was a less willing helper.  She woke early from a nap and was cranky.  I had to stop cookie production to hold her for a while until she settled back down.

And of course we had to periodically check the Santa tracker to find out where he was currently delivering packages.

Christmas Eve we spent at Sarah and Kevin's house.  She made a delicious ham dinner and the kids acted out the Nativity.  It was so cute.  Perhaps not terribly reverent, but adorable just the same.

Our baby Jesus looks a little like Santa...hmm....we made it work.

And our angel flew high to share the good tidings with the shepherds.

And later on our wise men traveled from afar.

Riley was a willing model for practicing my camera skills.  She's cute.  She kept making these close mouthed smiles until I asked her if she ever showed her teeth.  She laughed.

We also heard the traditional "Magic Curtain" from Jacob.  The kids were loving it.  

And when we got home for Aunt Sarah's house the boys got to open their Christmas PJs.

They were a hit.  Star Wars for Isaac and Spider Man for Ben.  Poor third child Nora just got changed into her hand me down Christmas pjs from relatives.

She didn't seem to mind.  I think she was just happy to be a part of the action.

Isaac, Ben and Dad set out cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer while I put Nora to sleep.

Ben LOVED this playdough set that was given by his cousins earlier that night.  He kept wanting to open it and play with it but it was bed time.

And after kids were tucked in Santa arrived.

Then came Christmas morning goodness!  We usually let the kids check out their stockings and open their few gifts from Santa before pausing for breakfast.  This year Santa brought games and books.

New water bottles in their stockings.

And these light up bands were also in their stockings and were a huge hit.  I think Ben said it was his favorite gift of Christmas.

Nora also had fun exploring the stocking.

And then she got help from a more than willing big brother.

I know this picture isn't great but I love seeing her reach for the corner of the paper to open her gift.

Nora tested out all her new toys (and wrapping paper) the way babies do...

The big gift from us this year were razor scooters.

They even got to try them out inside for a few days.  That ended quickly when the started riding too close to their sister and one of them accidentally dropped the scooter handle on her head.  Poor Nora.  She was fine but the scooters quickly found a home in the garage to be used on warmer days.

Isaac probably liked his K'Nex the best of all.  And I think Jacob liked them best too.

And then, finally it was time to play with the playdough!

Brunson grandparents gifted the fun marble run.  The boys love it too.  Actually, they love all the gifts they got this year.  There weren't any misses.  Good job Santa, parents and grandparents!

We had a wonderful day full of family, playing games, eating treats and enjoyed it thoroughly!