Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

This was such a fun year for Santa at our house. He has reached that magical age that he really understands, anticipates, and dreams of what he wants for Christmas. It was so fun enjoying that with him!

Dad and Dalton feeding the reindeer our "special" food. We got the food at ACH's Breakfast with Santa. It was a mixture of oatmeal and glitter. The glitter was to glow when the moon's light hit it and guide the reindeer to our house. So cute!

Dad and Dalton writing a note to Santa.

He decided Santa would like to eat Pop-tarts for a snack.

The note read, "Santa, the milk is in the fridge. Dalton"

Christmas at Grandma Stacy's

It's a tradition to go to Grandma Stacy's in Quitman for lunch on Christmas Eve. I always enjoy starting Christmas off in the country with the wood burning fire place and the delicious food everyone brings. This year was no exception! Let me add how fun it is being pregnant during the holidays, too! I can eat all I want and thoroughly enjoy every bite!

The kids (L to R): Austin, Dalton, Autumn, Kelsey, and Abby

Only the kids exchange gifts at Grandmas. The hard part is holding them off until after lunch to tear into them! We decided it might be a good idea to "practice" gift opening with Dalton before the fun began. So, the night before Christmas Eve, I put several of his toys into different gift bags and we practiced the right and wrong ways to open gifts. We tried to explain that you do not say, "I already have one of these!" or "I want more presents!" We also tried to teach him to enjoy the gift and be thankful for the gifts and not just rip through them without noticing what he actually got. John got to use this illustration in his sermon the Sunday after Christmas. His sermon was about "reflection" and how that we need to reflect on what God does for us, even the little things. He said so many times we are like our 3 year old who rips through the gifts of the day and we don't even notice what God is doing in our lives. We are just focused on getting through the day. That'll preach!

Dalton hugging Grandma Stacy

Wish this picture wasn't so blurry, but I love it anyway!

Trains at Laman Library

Christmas with the Wests (and Mickans)

I am so thankful for friends! I love the saying, "Friends are the family we choose." And, I would choose these people over and over again! We have gotten together at Christmas with the Wests and Mickans for the past several years to enjoy a meal and exchange gifts. This year, the Mickans were not able to come because Saigel had strep throat....Boo! Thankfully, she got it early in the week and was able to have a great Christmas afterall. We love you guys!

Addison, Dalton, and Riley decorating cookies after supper. As you can see, we ate spinach and strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing and baked spaghetti. Yum! Paige brought her great candy bar pie and even left the leftovers in my frig for us! Now, that's a real friend!

And let the chaos begin.....unwrapping presents.

And in 2 minutes flat, it was DONE! But smiling faces on all!

Dalton, Riley, and Addison showing off their pillow pets.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Our friends, the Mickans, hosted a birthday party for Jesus and it was so much fun. The party included candy cane crafts, puppet show by Doug, story time, games, cupcakes, and party favors for all the kiddos. On the way home, Dalton said, "That was fun, Mom!" I would call that a great success!

Dalton and Katelyn Alkire making candy cane ornament.

Dalton and Conner Alkire


Is this not the cutest? This is Sennett Mickan, Saigel's new little brother! Precious!

Dalton LOVES Doug's puppet shows! Doug used the puppet to tell the story of the wise men coming to see baby Jesus.

Cindy led in the "What God wants for Christmas." story. The kids open 7 boxes and each box has a different part of the nativity scene in it and the last box answers the question, "What does God want for Christmas?"......"YOU!"

Saigel Mickan

Abby Fly

Dalton enjoying the best part of the cupcake....the icing!

The kids played a Christmas version of "hot potato". They passed a present around and when the music stopped, whoever had the present, got to unwrap a layer of wrapping on the present. After several times of unwrapping....

There were Silly Bands for everyone!

It was a great party that reminded everyone what the season was all about......JESUS!

Breakfast with Santa

This past Saturday, we kicked off the Christmas season with "Breakfast with Santa" at Arkansas Children's Hospital. This is such a fun event! They have great Christmas crafts, letter to Santa station, North Pole calling center, real fire trucks for the kids to tour, pictures with Santa, and a delicious pancake breakfast served by local firemen.

Waiting in the long line to get a picture with Santa

The long line made for a great "photo opp"! Mrs. Brandy at my work made his cute shirt for him...Thanks Brandy!

Surprisingly, Dalton has done great the past 2 years getting his picture made with Santa and telling him what he wants for Christmas. It was so sweet watching him talk to him.

The Elves had Santa on the "main-line" all the way from the North Pole:)

Here is his letter to Santa we made. It says, " I want a sandbox and a scooter".

Putting his letter in the "special mailbox" to send to the North Pole.

Getting his Christmas tattoo

Working with Dad on his Santa craft.

My little lefty!

Proudly showing off his reindeer puppet.

This sweet firman....He strapped Dalton into the seat and let him hold the fireman's helmet. The look on Dalton's face says it all!

I have to include this sweet story for the "mommy book". Last Sunday, John had to be at church early, so I decided to take Dalton to IHOP for breakfast (Little sis was wanting a good breakfast :). We had a great breakfast together and then the waitress brought the ticket to the table. When Dalton saw it, he grabbed it and pretended to take money from his pocket to pay for it. I reached over and gave him the money and he put it on the table. I said, "Thanks for paying for my breakfast, Dalton." He said, "Your welcome, Mom!" Ahhhh, too sweet! Love, love, love this boy and this age!