Under the Tree

So Fun!!

We stopped by my parents house to say hello on our way to the Jasperson's to celebrate Christmas. My mom always has such a beautiful, Victorian  styled tree--a perfect picture opportunity!

Christmas with Grandma Ruthann in Norway, KS

Ella dressed for the party! Grandma Deb got her this adorable dress.

Ella and Grandma Ruthann

We celebrated with Ruthann's sisters family, too. It was fun to see them all. Last Christmas, their family get together was the last time I was feeling well...before Ella came. We all met in Norway so that Ryan's Great Aunt Belva could join us. It was a wonderful meal and a fun time.

Carter and Ella at the table

Carter's highlight of the day was being able to walk on the railroad track. He enjoyed walking on it with Dylan. I told him it was only safe because I was there.

On the way to Newton, we stopped in Salina and had dinner with Grandma Gwen. Ella was her smiley self.

Christmas Party at Debbie's House

Debbie is AMAZING! She always spoils the kids. They spent the day making cute reindeer cookies and each time Debbie rang a bell, the kids got to unwrap a present. The big kids- Carter, Emily and Evan-did not have to take a nap because of all the fun activities.

Ella got a CD player from Debbie that plays fun songs. She loves it and claps to the music.

Carter got this book from Emily that has a road that the car travels on...very fun. He also enjoys his remote controlled car from Debbie.

They made these heart, candy cane ornaments with their pictures in the middle. They look so cute hanging on our tree!!

The kids have so much fun with Mrs. Debbie! She is wonderful and treats the kids as a part of her family. We think of her as part of ours, too!



Christmas at Pappy and Guh Guh's

We had a wonderful celebration in Newton with my parents, Ryan and his family and Kyle. We had lots of laughs, great things to eat and a lot of fun.

Ella opening her stocking! She got a pool floaty for the summer at Pappy and Guh Guh's pool and a cute snowman.

Uncle Kyle gave Ella an adorable laughing hippo. She loves it and giggle laughs at it.

Uncle Ryan was excited about his new gift!

Three out of the five kids with Pappy looking at the glow worm Aunt Jennifer, Uncle Ryan, Devin Elaina and Jay gave Ella.  She loves it an can even push it to make it light up on her own.

Carter loved the ducks in his stocking. My dad (and mom) always go all out with our stockings. It is a family tradition that I LOVE.

Ryan was excited for his new work boots.

Uncle Kyle and Miss Ellie.

It was fun to be together with my brothers at my parents house. We have not be able to all be in Newton at the same time in years. I know my parents enjoyed it, too. I was glad all the grand kids were able to be there, too. It was a great way to start the Christmas festivities!



The Polar Express at Barnes and Noble

The Polar Express is a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations. The books is about "believing" in Santa. In the story, the Polar Express train comes while the children are sleeping and picks them up and takes them to the North Pole. So, I decided to have Carter dress in his pajamas to go to the activity.

They handed out Starbucks hot chocolate and sugar cookies for the kids while they read the book aloud. They also gave each kid a postcard of the book's cover and a bell...because they believe in Santa.

Going to see Santa

This year we went to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa. Ella was decked out in her sweater dress with fur trim on the bottom with matching hose. (I LOVE dressing her up!) While we were watching for our turn, we walked around the store and they had kids activities for Carter to enjoy.

He liked playing in the tent.

He thought it was cool to drive the remote control car around the track.

Ella didn't mind the wait.

It was finally our turn!! Carter enjoyed seeing Santa and told him he wanted a Barney movie and a Curious George book. Ella was all smiles and kept looking at Santa's beard and the reindeer.

After the Santa picture, they had a few other areas where you could take pictures.

On our way out, we stopped to see the fish. Carter was a little nervous to get too close...he said the catfish scared him. :)

Did I mention that the pictures/activities at Bass Pro Shop are FREE. It was so fun. We will definitely go there next year to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Carter's 4th Birthday- Nov. 26th

Such a fun day in Newton!!

Aunt Stacy had ordered a special birthday donut at Druber's-the local donut shop. It was so delicious. We had a nice and relaxing day until it was time for the party.

Carter, Ella with Cousin Jay (in his fireman jacket) and Cousin Caden- in their fireman helmets.

The big birthday boy with his presents!

The special boy and his mommy. I love him.

I tried to make firetruck cookies

The cake

Carter loved his new fireman rain boots

And his garbage truck set

Ella loved the party...and playing int he wrapping paper.

Our family with Jay, my nephew.

Carter making his wish.

It was a great day celebrated with both our families in Newton. We are lucky both sets of grandparents and Uncle Ryan, Aunt Jennifer, Jay, Aunt Stacy, Uncle Chris, Caden and Grandma Gwen  were all able to be with us to celebrate Carter's 4th birthday.