Christmas Eve Traditions

Pajamas

Every Christmas we get new pajamas to wear while we wait for Santa. Normally we open them on Christmas Eve, but this year I had a photographer come over to take some photos a few days early. Here the boys are patiently waiting and watching skiing (Warren Miller). Sheldon is officially brainwashed. Chris and Tyler have taught him to say ski and snow.

 I wish I knew how to photo shop Sheldon closer to his brothers.

But when I crop the photo, it makes a great individual of Sheldon.

Here are some photos I took on my camera.

We have two live trees. The one in the family room is where Santa brings the kids their presents unwrapped. Tyler always sets up the train underneath. Tyler opted to only put snowflakes and lights this year since his special ornaments look like toys to his little brothers. He also made snowflakes to hang from the ceiling.

The kids also have their own nativity set. 

 Tyler tracked Santa online...

 while the little boys played.

 After the babies went to bed, Tyler and I made cookies for Santa.

 He also wrote a letter and set out veggies for the reindeer.

 Baby Jesus sleeps with the kids until morning.

 

Polar Express

Second Annual Polar Express Family Night

On December 23rd we headed out to see the Christmas lights in our community.

We pretend the Suburban is the train and Dad is the conductor.

We each get our own ticket...

and the kids dress up in their comfy pajamas.

First stop...Starbucks drive thru for some peppermint hot cocoa.

Tyler invited Haley this year.

On our way to each neighborhood the kids watched The Polar Express.

Once we reached our destination the kids worked on a scavenger hunt and enjoyed the lights.

These photos and videos are from our favorite house.

Warning: Obnoxious Fox Song and some crazy dancing

Selfies

Earlier that night, Annie and Katie stopped by with some Christmas kisses and a present.

It is Beginning to Look Like Christmas

On December 8th we headed out to get our Christmas tree.

Sheldon loved the horses but wasn't so sure about the bumpy ride.

 So he held on tight to Daddy.

 We even had a dusting of snow. 

 While Tyler cut down the boys' tree for the family room, Sheldon found a stick and kept himself busy.

 

 Then we found a taller family tree for the living room.

 It passed Sheldon's inspection.

 

We loaded the trees onto the trailer and walked back to the gift shop since Sheldon wasn't a big fan of the bumpy ride. The photo above counts as all 5 of us even though Levi and Dad are only shadows :) I don't get many of these.