Comparing Pictures

Dearest Boys,

I can't help but compare some recent pictures...

This first one is your original school picture, Jax.  When it came home, I told you that I wanted you to retake it.  You asked me why and I told you that you're capable of smiling better (I left out the part about you looking stoned!).  You responded by informing me that you were smiling....behind your lips (your exact, precious, hilarious, words!)!

This is your picture retake - in which, you let your actual smile come out from "behind" your lips!  : )

Now, Colton, this picture is just one of many I have documenting your long locks.  You went 6 months without a haircut or even any interest in a haircut and I didn't push it.  (And you were sitting in this seat to be goofy - we don't actually make you eat on the floor!)

Well, recently, Daddy decided to just take you along on Jackson's haircut and plop you in a chair too.  And you went right along with it without a complaint!!!  The stylist only used scissors so it's not a drastic change but I think you look like a completely grown up kid!

You two are always adorable to us!

Santa came!

Dearest Believers,

"Christmas" morning was wonderful this year!  Jackson, you were filled with the spirit of Christmas and told us a lot about baby Jesus and his mother, Mary.  And you asked about Santa often and greatly anticipated his visit!  Colt, you didn't understand the hoopla leading up to the event, but were adorably participatory once the morning arrived.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

Wrapping Things Up

Dearest Colton and Jax,

We fit in a few of our traditions at the last minute...

After our carriage ride and some shopping, it was time to make cookies for Santa!

Then we watched a special video message from Jolly ol' Saint Nick.

The presents are wrapped, the tree is somewhat lit, and we are ready for Mr. Claus!

Class Parties

Dearest Jackson and Colton,

Today was class party day and I didn't want to miss it!  I got a sub for the first half of the day so that I could attend your party, Jax, which was at 9:30 in the morning!

To start, you and your classmates stood at the front of your classroom and performed a few songs.  You were exceptionally adorable in your elf hat!

You even had a "main role" in the show as you were 1 of 3 students to manipulate the Smart Board!

You enjoyed yourself and it showed!

It was then time to decorate cookies to make them look like melted snowmen....adorable project!

The party ended with yummy snacks before I took advantage of you not yet being embarrassed by my kisses and headed in to work.

After school was released, it was time to meet the whole gang at Steph's for your "party", Colt.  By party, I mean the one time a year that we all arrange to be there at the same time and give Ms. Steph her gift.  We tossed all of our kiddos on the couch at the same time and started snapping away.  For memory's sake, from right to left, that's Dex, Drew, you, Evan, Cole, Kate, and Ella).  There's a special place in Heaven for Stephy!

Tomorrow, my firsties are having their own party so I'm off to prepare for that barrel of monkeys!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Dearest Jackson & Colt,

We really got into the swing of things yesterday as we did two of our Christmas traditions!  The first was our annual stop by Bass Pro Shop to enjoy their Winter Wonderland.  You boys bee-lined to this race track and helped that car make 291 laps.

Then we tested out their rc trucks to gauge your interest levels for what *might* be under the tree in a few days....

The shooting games are always a favorite.

Colton, I'd like to document the adorable way that you say "BEAR".  It totally has two, drawn out, southern syllables (bay - yer) and I absolutely love it!  : )

Right after capturing your "I'm scared of this thing." face during our carousal ride, I noticed the battery was almost dead.  At this point, I put the camera away in an effort to save it for "the big guy"!

Therefore, I missed pictures of the aquarium, rattlesnakes, huge shark, and happy bridge....but thanks to that, the camera was ready to perform when Mr. Claus himself came by to say hello!  This was as close as you would get as you softly announced "Santa!" without ever taking your eyes off of him.

While we waited in line, we practiced what y'all would tell him and you were both excited!  I guess I was a bit excited too because I forgot to unroll your pants, Colt - sorry about that! (The picture that they took doesn't show your high-waters though and that reindeer isn't photo bombing either!)

That night, after dinner and baths, we loaded into the truck to go see some local Christmas lights.  

So much fun and so very festive!!

What's an Advent Calendar?

Dearest Colt and Jackson,

Turns out, Mommy stinks at Christmas this year.  I have yet to wrap a single gift, nor have I read you any Christmas books, and our cute Advent Calendar didn't make it past Day 3!  I assure you I've had great intentions and I can almost guarantee you that next year will be better.  If we would've looked behind Day 8's decor, it would've said: "Take in a parade before you party with pjs!"

Although it takes place annually, this was our first year to check out the parade.

You played in the woods before things started.

Then you took your seats and waited so nicely.

Here it comes!

The firetrucks led the way!

Your method was collect a piece of candy, eat the piece of candy, and repeat!

Jacob stood by us to watch his mom in the parade : )

Afterwards, it was home for lunch and naps.  During Colt's nap, I took you, Jax, to a Christmas party hosted by a friend from my old school.  It was a pajama party complete with a cookie exchange.  We made these chocolate peppermint cookies and they were a huge hit!

Decorating cookies...

Making crafts...

Exchanging gifts...

And we all have festive events to attend tonight so it's time to go get ready for those!