The Beeston Family: 2014

Christmas Sunday Best

A picture is worth a thousand words:

These 3 mean the world to me:

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

We were really blessed this year, when William got off early on the 23rd and got both the 24th and the 25th completely off.

23rd. We went to the mall for a carriage ride, but for some reason it wasn't running that night. So we just walked around and checked out the Lego store.

24th. We went bowling and Taylor totally whooped our butts. No joke.

We went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse and Kendall and I took selfies while the boys were in the bathroom. (Because Taylor always has to go #2 when we go out to eat. Always.)

We opened up our stockings - walkie-talkies for the boys and a Frozen drawing thingy for Kendall.

We had dessert a home and got the chocolate fountain going. Everyone got really messy., but it was soooo good.

25th. We opened up all the presents in less than an hour.

We skyped with Bon-Papa and Bonne-Maman and said thank you.

We watched The Nativity and talked about the meaning of Christmas.

We went to the movie theatre and saw Big Hero 6. I cried. But so did Kendall.

We had a really fancy and yummy dinner.

Orange rolls for breakfast (donuts for the kids)

Chicken croissants for lunch (pretzel rolls for the kids)

Mozzarella sticks, tomatoes, and ham for the kids

Potato skins and Bruschetta for the adults

Mac 'n cheese for the kids

Scalloped potatoes, turkey, and a caprese salad for the adults

Ice cream for the kids

Coconut sorbet (in a real coconut) for the adults

Visiting Santa

We had the worst timing, ever, and had to wait over an hour in line (Santa had to feed his reindeers, a.k.a., take a break from the kids and the crying babies), but we made it to Santa and the kids told him what they wanted for Christmas (some of it was new to us and we had to adjust our shopping). Since we were already at the mall, we also walked around and looked at the pretty lights. I love Christmas. It's so beautiful.

Christmas at Cypress Preschool

I love Cypress! They are so involved, caring, and they just do really cool things for the kids. Earlier this month, they had a Christmas program in which the kids sang Christian and Christmas songs. The kids did a fantastic job, and this year Logan actually sang! Woot woot!

Then on the last day of school before the Christmas break, Logan's class had a party. Kendall and I were able to attend the party and have some fun.

Kendall was pretty good during the program. There she is with her bestie, Amber.

Logan always talks about Julia and how he loves her. She's pretty darn cute. I approve, as long as she joins our church.

Elf on the Shelf

This was our first year trying out the Elf on the Shelf. Did it work? Did the kids behave better knowing that Chrystal (yes, that is what they all decided to call him and yes, it is a boy) was watching their every move? Meh. Was it fun to see them discover Chrystal in all sorts of funny situations every morning? Absolutely. Will I be doing it again next year? Most likely, but for 12 days instead of 24. This momma doesn't have that much creativity, and Pinterest doesn't either.
Chrystal made him appearance on November 30, 2014. Upon his arrival, he gave each child a new set of jammies and a new Christmas book.