Brendan's First Gingerbread House:
Next came a trip to a St. Charles church where we attended an interactive nativity scene, also with Jessica and Josie Whitlock. It was called Journey to Bethlehem, and was such a neat experience. We watched a play of the Christmas Story, and were then led on an outside adventure that replicates Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was so neat to be able to put some actions to the stories we've been trying to explain to Brendan. Though I still think he is too young to understand it all, I think we've started a new annual tradition that will be essential in his understanding of the reason we celebrate Christmas. And he loved walking along with Josie, watching all of the actors, and seeing all the animals. Plus, it concluded with cookies and hot chocolate....how can you top that?! (If interested, here's a website that explains the Journey to Bethlehem Event in case you'd like to attend next year: http://stcharles.fox2now.com/news/arts-culture/48674-journey-bethlehem-interactive-nativity-scene )
Ready for the Journey to Bethlehem (this wagon did not make it in):
Josie and Brendan checking out one of the many animals along the walk:
Josie and Brendan listen intently to the actors:
The next night was parents' night out where we had our annual Christmas get together with some of our friends. We went out on the town on Main Street St. Charles with the Rodgers, Whitlocks, Chris & Michelle, then for some breakfast (and a snooze--hee hee) at the Waffle House. It's always a good time to catch up with our friends...and for some good, quality adult party time. We look forward to it every year.
Let the Party Begin!
Mandy, Jessica, Melissa, and Michelle:
We were able to make some time to celebrate Christmas with our nephew, Jaxon, just a little before the holiday weekend. The boys are getting so big, and we don't get them together nearly enough. But they don't seem to miss a beat. They jumped right into playing as soon as we walked in the door. It's amazing how many similar personality traits they have. And they definitely have some unmistakably similar physical features as well: the eyes, the light hair. While the boys played, we were able to catch up with each other, and Mommy made some homemade chicken and dumplings: a favorite.
Not the greatest pic, but you can tell how Brendan & Jaxon look alike:
Uncle Danny and Aunt T:
Present Time!
And then came the actual holiday weekend. Christmas Eve we spent most of the day at Papa Pelhanks. As always, too much food was consumed along with a full array of Mommy's Christmas cookies. We left the Pelhanks in the early afternoon, to attend the Christmas Eve Service at our church with Aunt T and Uncle Danny. Then, we were on our way to Aunt Karen's for the Zervas Family Christmas. We ate...again, and played what seems to now be our annual game of Rob Your Neighbor. After such a long and busy day we headed home to prepare for Santa. Brendan had his bath, we set out cookies and milk, and lay out reindeer food to attract the reindeer to our house.
CJ, Erin, Amy, & PaPa Pelhank pose by the Christmas tree:
Brendan and Aunt T:
Brendan tries out his new bow (Thank you Uncle Danny & Aunt T!):
NaNa, Aunt Jess, and Mommy (Do you think they are related?):
Aunt Lilly & Uncle Shane:
BawBaw & NaNa:
Mommy & Daddy:
Laying out the reindeer food:
Unfortunately, we seemed to have overdone it for Brendan on Christmas Eve, because the boy slept until 11:00 on Christmas Morning! Mommy and Daddy were able to make--and eat--breakfast, prepare food for Christmas dinner, and do the dishes all before the little man woke up. Once awake, the rush was on to try and get all of his presents opened before we made our way to the Cole house for Christmas Day celebration. Rush, rush, rush but we made it in time. We enjoyed another feast at the Cole house, watched the Polar Express (one of Brendan's new movies), and had more cookies, fudge and candy.
Now you see why we had to rush Brendan through opening presents. Santa must have thought he was a good boy for him to get all of these!
Belle loves Christmas surprises, too:
One happy boy on Christmas morning:
Posing with Daddy:
Aunt Jess & Brendan:
"Mmmmm. My new perfume smells nice." -Mommy:
One of Brendan's many funny faces. We're so proud!:
Upon leaving the Cole house on Christmas Day, it marked the end of our busy, busy Christmas season for this year. Though chaotic at times, we really wouldn't have it any other way. It's such a blessing to have most of our friends and family in town, and to be able to share such a wonderful reason for celebration with so many. And as we are already a few weeks into what's sure to be another busy year, we wish all of you blessings of joy and fellowship in 2012. And to those we were not able to celebrate Christmas 2011 with... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!