Christmas Traditions (Draft)

Every year Tyler writes a letter to Santa. Then Santa sends him a video message.

 

 

On Christmas Eve the kids get new pajamas to wear while they wait for Santa. We also make cookies for Santa. Tyler always draws a picture and writes a quick note for Santa. The last two years he has told Santa he can play with the train and animals.

 Don't the boys look adorable in their matching pjs? This in front of their tree. They get to decorate it anyway they want to. This year Tyler didn't put any ornaments down low or put on any balls or other breakable ornaments because he was worried about Sheldon's safety. Such a thoughtful brother. I was a bit worried it would be a lot of work keeping Sheldon away from the tree, especially with the train and animals underneath. But he wasn't all that interested. He would rather crawl under the end table and pull on the lamp's cord. Of course that is there year round :P

 The kids sleep with Baby Jesus. Here they are anxiously waiting at the top of the stairs at the crack of dawn.

 They put Baby Jesus in the manger first thing in the morning.

Santa leaves all the kids' presents under their tree and doesn't wrap them. Each child gets three presents just like Jesus from the three wise men. The gifts are usually one want, one need, and one wear.

 

 

Santa also leaves a note

 Santa and the elves usually do silly things when they are done having cookies and milk. They must have had fun with the animals from under the tree and the nativity set.

Sheldon loves his new walking toy. We're not surprised since he loves to push his high chair around.

Next we head to the living room where we open presents from each other and family. This is also where Santa leaves presents for Mom, Dad, or the entire family.

Originally this was the tallest tree we have ever had. After a lot of tree drama, I think it ended up being the shortest. LOL!

 Sheldon gave Tyler the Safari book he has been asking for.

 Santa brought the entire family a GoPro Camera. This is a wearable video camera that can be used when the "boys" go snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, or even hunting. It is nothing but pure testosterone and bad news for me. Because I honestly think it is best I don't actually see every detail of the crazy adventures Chris takes the kids on.

 

Chris invited all the officers that were on duty over for some homemade Southwest Chicken Chilli and cornbread. Both boys loved all the attention. It probably looked a little bizarre to the neighbors to have so many patrol cars in the cul de sac.

Christmas night we make a birthday cake for Jesus and sing Happy Birthday. This year I made a birthday cake for Jesus while Chris and Tyler played Rodeo on the XBox 360 Kinects.

 

 When we were done singing, Tyler asked for a piece of cake. I told him to go read the story of The Little Red Hen. Later when I gave him a slice he asked, "What about that chicken thing Mom?" I told him I changed my mind since I've gained 13 pounds in the last 20 weeks and I thought I'd better share.