December Update

Who pulled off the Paula Deen look better?  Me on Halloween or the boys?

Bryant playing basketball - videos to come after I get them uploaded.

We got out the Christmas books and Bryant was reading them to Garrett.

And they were so excited to fill the Advent calendar with candy

Bryant's medal and treat for his final game.

He's starting to look so grown up!

Trying on hats at the store

Christmas tree hunting time!

Yep, we brought home that tall tree behind us

Garrett picked out this tree for his bedroom

And Bryant wanted his to have long needles

Hot cocoa and cookies afterward

Time to decorate their trees.  They both get an ornament from Grandma and Grandpa each year for their tree and Garrett was super upset that Bryant had more ornaments for his tree and that he got Captain America.  Not fair!

 Bryant was so nice and said that Garrett could put Captain America on his tree until Christmas. 

That night we headed to our neighborhood Christmas party.

Santa came to visit!

When we got home from the party, Garrett went to give Bryant his Captain America back.  He thought Christmas was over since he got his present from Santa.

Then it was time to celebrate Trav's birthday...the big 4-0!  He wasn't feeling good on his actual birthday so we celebrated a couple days late.  I like how Bryant addressed his card (without any guidance or help from me)

The boys though we should make cupcakes for Dad 

 Happy Birthday Trav!

At pre-school, Garrett's been learning about different professions and he's still thinking he wants to be a fireman (although he does like mail carriers too).

I like Bryant's story from reading group at school.

Love my baby boy and pup snuggles

Christmas crafts - Rudolph Jingle Bell necklace

and ornaments

 Garrett's letter to Santa

More Christmas crafts - painting ornaments

Hide and go seek - can you find Garrett?

Bryant's Christmas program - videos to follow (hopefully).

The boys were so excited when Red, our Elf on the Shelf showed up.  Bryant thought it was super funny when Red had a snowball fight (with marshmallows) with their new ornaments.  So much so that he had to write Red a note.

This boy loves his blanket and Stuffies, especially his new Spider-man from Santa.

Our yearly tradition of baking Christmas cookies with Grandma and Grandpa

When Bryant is done with his spelling tests at school, he gets to turn his paper over and draw.  He clearly was excited about Christmas because one week, he drew the advent calendar and the next week, he drew "Red" hiding in the stocking on the tree.

A couple days before Christmas, Bryant finally completed his list for Santa.

I love it when the boys play together well!

And then I find random notes around the house like this to bring me back to reality. 

Can you find Garrett this time?

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpas.  We were all dressed up for church, so I made the boys take a picture before they got changed.

Then it was time to come home so we could get ready for Santa.

This was a super fun age for both boys.  Bryant was so excited when he came out Christmas morning and saw that Santa brought him beyblades!

Garrett was super excited that Santa ate his cookies.  Bryant was the same way at that age - more concerned about the cookies before they notice the presents.

Bella was excited for her bone.

Bryant has been wanting big league chew to blow big bubbles with, so he was so excited to find it in his stocking.

Thrilled for his first tool (an air pump)

 This kid loves basketball.  Every night, he's dribbling up and down the hallway and pretending he's playing a game.

 The boys got a special surprise from Grandma and Grandpa that they are going on a Disney cruise to Alaska this summer.

Lego master

We're so lucky to get to spend Christmas with both Grandmas and Grandpas again.  These boys definitely have a special bond with them.

More Lego fun

 And painting

We hardly had any snow, so we actually were outside playing basketball in December...crazy!

The next weekend, Ryan, Kacee and family came and joined us for a belated Christmas.  Garrett got his baby Keith snuggles in.

Then we headed to Bozeman to go to the Museum of the Rockies and watch a men's Bobcat basketball game.

The boys even got to watch their first movie in a planetarium.

We had great seats at the basketball game - the boys loved it!

Such a busy month, but so fun!  Thanks to all who helped make our Christmas so special!