A Cousin Christmas

I was an absolutely terrible picture taker on actual Christmas, but I did manage to capture the events leading up to the big day.

The 23rd we FINALLY fit Santa into our schedule.  We got there right when it opened and were the second people in line, I personally cannot handle waiting half an hour or more to meet Santa.

Wasn't sure how the meet and greet was going to go, but it turned out wonderfully.  Both boys got hugs from Santa and took their time chatting about what they would like for Christmas.

Scott wanted a laser car (which I finally determined actually meant a remote control car) that could transform and fly.  Scott really does think that Santa can make whatever he dreams up in his workshop.  And Owen wanted a candy cane. Only a candy cane.  He's since gotten several, including one that morning, so he's a happy camper.

My 20$ picture from the elves.  Seriously y'all, its a racket.  Yet somehow I buy a copy every year. 

Per our tradition we headed to Sprinkles after.  Well surprise surprise Sprinkles moved a few doors down and really upped their game.  They now serve ice cream, cookies, floats, ice-cream sandwiches, sundaes...the works.  And cupcakes of course.  The boys couldn't decide.  Finally we decided on two (dairy free) kid sized servings of ice cream and a (gluten free) cupcake to share.

Yummy tradition.

We have been thoroughly enjoying all the Christmas cards we have received this year.  One in particular from the boys' teacher and babysitter, Owen has been carrying around everywhere for days.  Its really adorable.

He even takes it to bed with him.

Christmas eve day we hung out, grocery shopped and made cookies for Santa.  This year Santa went paleo, so we kindly obliged with grain free cashew cookies sweetened with honey. Yum.  The boys had a great time helping too.

Then we waited for our special guests.  This year Auntie, Parker J and Eden had a sleepover for Christmas eve.  The boys were stupid excited about this.  We got all jammied up, then of course made them pose for pictures.

Parker and Scott....I just can't.

My sweet Owen just loves to hold Eden.  He even tells me she's his best friend.  Heart melt.

Finally we got the older two to sit close and participate in the picture (it probably involved bribery of cookies eating)

Then we frosted our cookies so we could leave them out for Santa.

And obviously had to taste the frosting.

Caught.

You'll notice Owen still has his card.

A cookie and a carrot left by each boy, and almond milk too, of course.  Happy paleo Christmas Santa.

And here is where I dropped the ball on pictures, I don't think I have one from Christmas morning.  Brian did bust out the Gopro for part of it so hopefully at some point I can get some good shots from that.  We woke up bright and early and had quite a time keeping the boys out of the living room until they were all awake (we eventually woke Owen).  We enjoyed our coffee, breakfast, stockings and cousin silliness all morning.  Grandma, Gpa, Mimi and Papa joined us eventually too.  It was a wonderful day with family.  I cherish Christmas and the memories we make each year.

Hope you all had a wonderfully magical day as well!

Merry Christmas 2014!

And today, the 27th, we are two months away from Scott turning 5.  So I'm basically freaking out already!