Christmas 2011

Our Christmas was just as good as our Christmas Eve. Both kids woke up around 7. We looked at what Santa brought us then ate some breakfast. After breakfast we opened presents. Karlee was so excited about every little thing that she got.

Ready to see what Santa brought

Can you tell that Karlee loves anything princess? Not sure how we got such a girlie girl.

Karlee's Santa loot

Colton loved just watching the action and sucking on his gifts

Karlee thought it was pretty fun to open both her and Colton's presents

I guess Colton didn't like what he got. No milk :(

Then we headed off to Church.

Love this pic. She wasn't really sad she just likes to pull faces when I take pictures.

After Church we had brunch with our dear friends the Armstrongs. 

Playing Yahtzee free for all.

Christmas Eve

This year we spent Christmas in Williamsburg. This was our first Christmas away from family. We were excited to start our own traditions and enjoy Matt's long break without the stress of traveling. It's been so nice! For Christmas Eve we got together with some couples in our ward. We decided to get together early and play games and eat all day long. It was a lot of fun.

The men enjoying their game.

Even Colton joined in :)

Karlee and Esme

The ladies and poor little Leah was sick :(

After playing games we headed over to Colonial Williamsburg for the lighting of the Christmas tree. I'm so glad we decided to go. They had a little program which consisted of Christmas carols and a speech from the Mayor of Williamsburg, lighting of candles, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Karlee loved the candles. I was worried she was going to set Colton's blanket on fire, or her clothes or the diaper bag. She didn't but I'm not sure how. She loved blowing the candle out and then relighting it with my candle.

 

When we got home we read the Christmas Story. My mom gave us a book last year that is a picture book of the Christmas story. Karlee loved looking at the pictures and listened very well.

Then the kids got to open their Christmas jammies.

Santa

We have visited a few Santa's so far. We went to the mall in Newport News and Karlee wanted to see Santa so bad. I was a little hesitant because he looked really scary. But I let her. In years past she has been afraid of Santa but not this year. He held his arms out to put her on his lap and I was really hoping she wouldn't go to him. But of course she did.  He was a ghetto Santa and his elves were worse. I really wish I would have been able to take a picture just to show you Santa. My friend leaned over to me and said, "we're definitely not in Utah anymore".
Yankee Candle has a flagship store here in Williamsburg. We love going there and Santa is actually there year round, which is why I think Karlee isn't afraid of him anymore because she sees him so often. I definitely prefer him over the mall Santa. Karlee told him she wanted an Ariel Barbie and a Snow White movie....I hope he can deliver.