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After attending one of the most beautiful Christmas Eve candelight services ever, which put me more into the Christmas spirit than any of the decorations, carols or treats, we headed to Gigi's for a barbeque dinner. The boys got to open a few presents from Gigi, which they thought was pretty fantastic. The best part of the night was Ethan's impromptu performance of all the Christmas songs he knew. And that adorable little guy didn't forget "Happy Birthday to You!"

Then it was bathtime and bedtime to get ready for Santa's visit. Both boys were extremely excited and giddy at bedtime. Before sleeping though, Aden put the presents that he bought for loved ones under the tree. My sweet little Santa Aden.



Santa came.

Happy birthday Jesus!

Here at the Elwell House, we're all working on trying to get on and stay on the "nice list." It has been a challenge lately. I guess we're at that perfect age and time of year when all senses go out the window. The boys have been CRAZY lately! A whole lot of complaining, crying, begging for things, talking over each other - and mix in seasonal excitement, discovering noise-making, volume competition and general mess-making. I'm pretty exhausted!

But how could I be mad at that sweet face? Really, I'm just as excited for Christmas as the boys. They are really enjoying the traditions this year. Both are fully aware of Santa and his genorosity, both are appreciative of the holiday treats and drinks, both adore the Christmas lights and decorations, and both just love the music. We have Christmas songs playing constantly. Ethan can sing most of Jingle Bells and it's pretty adorable.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Gaylord Texan with my mom and met up with Lola, Gigi, Papa and Lindsey. This place is spectacular during Christmas. Once you get past the parking that is. (Next year I'm taking a tip from Lola and parking illegally.) The boys got to make their own gingerbread cookies and guess what Ethan asks for almost daily now? Yes, he's a big fan of the gingerbread cookies.

Not a fan of red hots.

Also, we took a little break in taekwondo and ended up joining POP at church (Path of Praise). Every Wednesday for several weeks, Aden met with a class and did crafts, ate snacks, talked about reading the bible and sang songs. I volunteered and this was a pretty big adjustment for me. I'm really only used to dealing with my own kids on a regular basis, but I certainly grew to love these kids and now that it's over I miss them.

They practiced a sweet little Christmas song and sang it before Sunday service a couple of weeks ago. C-U-T-E.

Like last year, we had to make a run through the Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie. It was so pretty this year! Ethan is now a huge fan of driving through Christmas light displays. He oooohs and ahhhhs over every last light, and squeals with excitement - you can't help but feel it too.

About midway through, they have a cute little area where you can ride rides and walk through a forest lit with festive light displays.

And for the grand finale - the technicolor tunnel - the boys got to stick their head through the sunroof. Amazing time!

I do have some photos of Aden's first school party - which I hosted! - but not uploaded yet. Here's a sneak peek. It was a "Winter Wonderland" themed party, so we had snowflakes and a looping presentation of winter scenes with animals. We ate reindeer food, and "snow" and did a little gingerbread man craft. The kids had a ball.

I'm currently off work now until a few days after Christmas. Other than a few errands to run tomorrow morning, I'm all set for the big day. I love that I can celebrate the birth of our Lord with my husband and boys, and I can't wait to see their happy little faces this weekend. Merry Christmas!

No snow - but we do have rain! That's what I call a Texas winter!