Christmas at Cheekwood

So I realized I hadn't transferred these pictures from my phone.  Since I'm always behind on my blog anyway I figured there was no reason not to post them.  :) 

We visited Cheekwood during the Christmas season for the first time and we had so, much fun! Here the kids are in front of the live reindeer.

 

 Santa's helper let the kids hold these antlers and take some cool pictures.  They loved it!

 Sitting in Santa's sleigh!

 Craft time!

 Cookie decorating (and eating) time!

 Another beautiful, fun family day!

Christmas Day!

Jacob was the first one awake on Christmas morning.  He started to quietly sneak down the stairs when I heard him and caught up.  I told him we should get Anna and Daddy but he wanted to make sure Santa had come before waking them. :)  Santa did visit our home (!) and for the first time ever I let Jacob wake up Anna.  Anna was grumpy for a split second until Jacob's words "Anna, Santa came!!!!" registered and then off we all ran to the playroom!  So, much fun!!

 

Amazingly, Santa came through with Jacob's request for a book showing the Titans playing football. 

Santa also gave Jacob the Titans helmet he requested!

Anna was excited to see Santa brought her the pink bike she requested!

Santa brought "eye black"!

Santa brought sleeping bags!

Santa brought lip gloss!

After a yummy brunch it was time for Jacob and Anna to open their gifts from Mommy and Daddy: small planes,  

sticker books,

and plasma cars!

Our basement has been transformed to a racetrack paradise.  :)

Anna enjoys riding her new bike in the basement as well!

Nana and Gramps gave the kids this super cool Brik-a-Blok building set.  Oh the forts and tunnels that have been (and will be) built! 

Stocking time!  My family has a long tradition of silly and random stocking gifts.  It always proves to be a very fun time!  This was the year of the "big flashlight".  :)

Mom opening her "Hunk of the Month" calendar that "starred" my dad.

Dad was not as amused.  :)

Jacob thought this was the funniest gift!  He especially loves how the mustache and eyebrows move. 

Oh the randomness!  My dad opening his "sideways outlet plug thingy". 

GrandDad arrived!  He gave Anna three sets of clothes for "Baby"!  She was so excited and changes "Baby" almost daily. 

GrandDad gave Jacob a basketball ball goal!  He (and all the other boys) have enjoyed it so much!

Christmas Dinner Time!

Our favorite football player :)

Oh what a fabulous Christmas!  We are so blessed!!



Christmas Eve!

Our family woke up on Christmas Eve full of excitement for all the fun we had planned! We told Jacob and Anna they could exchange their gifts with each other and Mommy and Daddy could open one gift as well.  Oh the excitement!   

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Jacob gave Anna a "Hello Kitty" airplane and Anna gave Jacob a helicopter.

Jacob was very excited about giving Daddy knee pads so his knees won't hurt when they are playing football in the playroom - ha! :)

After a relaxing morning we got dressed up for Christmas Eve service at 2pm.  Anna went to "Big Church" for the first time since she was a baby.  She loved it (with the exception of dropping her communion wafer)! She now goes to "Big Church" with us every week and is such a big girl!

 

After church we all headed back to Nana and Gramps house for dinner and presents!

 

Jacob was excited to receive a UT helmet from Uncle David.  Daddy is a great sport.  :)

Nana and Gramps had given Anna a Disney Princess castle for her birthday which she loves. It has five princesses and she told Nana she needed some boys - ha! Anna was happy to receive a boy, Aladdin!

This picture makes me laugh!  Jacob wasn't so pumped about the Spider-man headphones at first.  :)

After a very fun-filled afternoon and evening, it was time to get ready for Santa's arrival!  We made chocolate, peanut butter cookies for Santa and put graham crackers and carrots out for the reindeer. 

 

Last stop was our yard where the kids sprinkled reindeer food!  

 

What a wonderful day!