Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  What a wonderful last week we've had.  We celebrated on Sunday at our church's Family Christmas Service.  It's always a great time to sing and be with family at church.  It was also Logan's first year performing in the preschool choir.  Yikes!  We didn't give him much of a chance of even making it on the stage, and he didn't at the practice that morning.  But sure enough, he went up for the performance and stayed there the whole time.  Did he sing?  No.  Did he do the hand motions?  A few.  Did he wander the front of the stage walking back and forth during the songs and reach for the mix?  Yes!  So it was entertaining to say the least.  We also celebrated with Lyndsey's extended family in Escondido- it was good to see aunts, uncles, and cousins!  We spent Christmas Eve evening at Lyndsey's parents' house.  We had a delicious ham dinner and got to open some early presents from the grandparents.  Then we spent the morning at our house celebrating.  Christmas makes us more in love with our children.  Claire hangs out looking beautiful and making the rounds of being held.  And Logan's reactions to opening presents make it all so much fun.  Wish you could all witness how excited he gets.  We've also had a great time over the month with a new tradition.  Every night Logan gets to color one part of a nativity scene and pick where to stick it on a poster.  As of tonight we have a complete birth scene!  We are realizing more than ever this year how easily Jesus' birth can be shoved to the background of all of the festivities so we've tried to keep a focus on it for Logan.  He enjoys finding Baby Jesus in people's yard decorations though.  Tonight as we sit watching Grinch (a new Logan favorite) we are feeling very blessed to have all of our family and friends, and are thankful for the countless blessings in our life.  Here are some Christmas fun pictures.

Logan over on the left during his choir performance.

He's enjoyed playing with a create-a-snowman set that sticks on the window (from Grandpa's store).

Watching a new favorite, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

Brother and sister snuggle time

Happy little girl.  We couldn't be more blessed to have her!

Her church Christmas dress.  Excited to see her dressed up every year!

Logan comfortable at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Working on another tall tower.  In the end, this one turned out to be taller than him.  He was very proud of it.

I took Logan to Target and told him he could pick out anything for Mama.  He insisted several times on this plunger.  It does have a glass handle so I guess it's classy.  ...we didn't get it...

Sleeping while her brother opened presents.

Logan got a tent and a sleeping bag (Planes themed as many presents are this year).  Daddy and Logan are having a floor campout in the living room tonight!  Mimi and Graddaddy sent Logan a very cushy Planes blanket that he'll get to use tonight too!

Christmas Eve

Logan painted Mommy and Daddy Christmas mugs (with the help of Grandma and Aunt Sammi).

I received a book about a Daddy and daughter dancing.  It starts with her as a baby and continues as she grows up.  On the last page they dance at her wedding.  I think people were hoping to see some tears :)

Happy with Aunt Sammi

Someone sat on a reindeer

See a theme of Logan making himself comfortable at the grandparents'? 

Claire got a doll.  I'm sure she will grow to love it!

Notice that Logan is in a different spot from the first picture?

Pablo getting some Claire time at church.

Daddy and Claire snuggling during church.  I love this pic :)

Christmas is tiring :)

Christmas Eve outfit.

Grandpa snuggles

Logan about to open presents!

A cool airplane from Aunt Sammi

You can't fake that enthusiasm!

This fireman jacket, hat, extinguisher and bullhorn/siren were definitely the Christmas winner!  For 2 straight days I have heard him say many times, "Fireman coming!" and sirens around the house.

In some new Cars Christmas pajamas (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!).

A new backpack to carry toys around in- Captain America is getting a ride.  Notice a day later that the extinguisher is still in his hand.

Claire watching Logan do his Christmas thing. 

A USC cheerleader outfit from Aunt Jamie, Uncle Kevin, and Sam.  Should fit perfectly by next football season.  Can't wait to see her in it.

Logan coming out of his tent.

A cowboy hat and soccer ball from the Haywoods.  These will be hits too.  Aunt Leslie, Uncle Wes, Alex, & Lizzie sent Logan movie theater tickets which Logan can't wait to use and Amazon money to get Claire necessities.  Thanks so much to our 2 Texas Aunts!

Silly at church.  Merry Christmas to all of our family that we don't get to see today.  We love you and miss you!