Merry Christmas 2011

So this is LONG overdue, but I figured better late then never! We had a wonderful Christmas this year and were so excited to actually have started real traditions in our little family. This is the first year that Landon knew what was going on, and what happens on Christmas morning. We also wanted to teach Landon about the real reason of celebrating Christmas. We woke up a bit earlier than the kids so that Paul could turn on the Christmas tree lights and some Christmas music. When the kids woke up we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, brushed teeth and as we were going downstairs, Landon yelled "Santa came!". Opening gifts was so much fun and it just made us more excited for next year when Elle will be able to 'really' participate in the tradition!

One of our new traditions that we have started is to make Jesus a birthday cake! Landon wanted a dinosaur cake for Jesus, so this was my best effort haha...green icing!

We managed to hold Landon off from tearing apart all of the gifts for a quick picture in front of our little tree. Our family and friends are absolutely amazing for helping "Santa" bring more gifts for the kiddos! Thank you all so much!! We love you!
Landon got the biggest stocking this year!
Baby girl really liked her baby doll...and now that it's been a few weeks since Christmas I can say that Landon has really enjoyed being Mommy's big helper...so much that he insists on 'trying' to change Elle's diaper frequently throughout the day. I am hoping this phase ends soon because it's not the nicest of phases haha. But, going back to the doll, Landon practices changing it's diaper and says, "Mommy, I a very big helper".
Her new winter coat that Daddy picked out for her!
I managed to get one quick smile (I had to beg for it) while Landon was opening his gifts. He can turn into one focused little man...wonder where he gets that from, Paul? :)
One of my favorite moments of the morning. My Christmas kiss from my little man.
In Elle's stocking, Santa brought her one of her favorite things...canned veggies!
Hahaha and then this is what happened! My girl already knows that she wants the finer things in life haha. :)
Aunt Lonnie and Uncle Dave sent Landon and Elle this awesome tent! It is now in Landon's room and has become a wonderful helper during nap time when Landon doesn't feel like he wants to take a nap! He has nice quiet time in his 'fort' playing with all of his toys. :)
Santa brought Landon dinosaur boots. He to this day always asks to wear them, especially to school.
Poppy came over to exchange a few gifts!
Daddy and Landon decided to play in the tent for a while. :)
Poppy brought Landon a yellow Hummer that plays hip hop music and literally drives around dancing, flashing lights and popping wheelies. Landon was a bit overwhelmed at first, but has now developed a nice little dance to go with the music.
Once we were done opening gifts, Landon decided to organize some of his and take a close look at them all. :)
Having some quiet time with Beyah after our exciting morning.
Elle received so many beautiful clothes from her Aunts and Uncles and we were trying them all on! I just like this cute little 'almost' naked pic. :)
After nap time, we headed over to GG and Papa's for another little Christmas get-together! Landon insisted on wearing his dino boots and new pjs.
My Mom and I made Christmas cookies together a few days before Christmas! They were quite delicious!
When we did gifts with GG and Papa, Landon was Santa's helper with passing them out.

Lee and Paul enjoying the gift-giving-outs by Landon.

Elle's first pig tails! I have been so excited to do this! She looks so cute!

Landon and Elle crawling on and wrestling with Daddy.
Towards the end of the evening, my baby girl and I were having some snuggle time.
We had a wonderful Christmas and are so thankful! Looking forward to living out our traditions each and every year!

Christmas Eve 2011

Ever since we have lived in Florida, we have created a little tradition on Christmas Eve. Mom and Lee treat our family to a nice dinner at the Ritz. It was a very special evening for all of us and something I personally look forward to all year long. This is our last year of celebrating this tradition due to our career change coming up this summer and it was the best one yet! We are so thankful for these past 4 years of Christmas Eve's!

On our way to dinner. Our little man wearing Daddy's hat looking like a stud. Thanks for the 3 piece suit Nana!! He rocked it!
Pic in front of the giant Christmas tree overlooking the ocean. Baby girl was enjoying a bottle.
Eyes on the prize...hot cocoa and cookies! Landon knows how to do it right!
So excited for this special night! Cookies!!
So excited to drink hot cocoa! And man alive, that hot cocoa was GOOD...I'm talking, chocolate literally melting in your mouth good!
Mom and Lee enjoying the evening!
Trying to get pics of the kiddos together...we tried to bribe Landon with hot cocoa and cookies haha. As long as he could be near that table, we were good to go!
These two are best buds. Don't you love Elle's outfit! This was Elle's first Christmas!
Elle and Papa having a little convo. :)
They have really bonded!
One of my favorite pictures of the night...tutu heini. And for the next few pics...you know I can't resist an Elle slideshow. :) I think Elle is going to wear tutu's for the rest of her life...or for as long as she allows me to pick out her clothes. :)
There she goes!
She is almost walking!
Cutest outfit ever!!! Thank you GG!!
I am a happy Momma. And finally a pic where our eyes aren't bright red thanks to the photo editing program. :)
The ocean front of the Ritz is so pretty. The Christmas lights made it feel so magical. Paul and Landon were trying to blow out the fire.
GG opened up her Christmas gift from Santa this night! Mom and Lee celebrated 20 years together and she was gifted a new anniversary band attached to her wedding band and engagement ring!

Mom was so excited!!! And see where I get the red eyes from. :)
And Landon helped her with the unwrapping!
We all had a really nice evening together!
We had a great evening and this will always be a great memory for us! Thank you GG and Papa for 4 wonderful Christmas Eve's on Amelia Island!

Landon's 1st Christmas Program!

This year Landon started Pre-Preschool at Jack and Jill's. It has been absolutely AMAZING for him and he has learned so much. He talks about his friends a lot and loves his teachers. This is the school's first year of having a 2 year old class and they debuted the class in their Christmas program! It was so sweet and I was one proud Momma watching my baby boy up there...not so baby anymore. I constantly had to hold back tears watching him walk up on the stage and during the production. Paul and I are so blessed and thank God every day for our beautiful and healthy babes.

Once we got to school he decided he wanted to run around and go a little crazy before his recital...meanwhile, I'm like...aaahhhh don't get dirty!! :)

"Introducing the brand new 2 year old class!" Landon was in the front of the line!
It's so sweet how they get these kiddos to walk in a line together! Love this sweet boy! (PS the little blonde girl, Lauren 3rd in line is Landon's best buddie at school)...so cute!
During the production, Landon was the only one standing when they asked all of the kids to sit down...he was just trying to do a solo! haha! Each class recited a verse from the Bible. The 2 year old class said aloud, "We love because He first loved us" 1 John 4:19. The week prior to his recital, Landon would sing this verse at the top of his lungs and then one day I was asking Paul what verse that was in the Bible and Landon said, 1 John 4:19! I was shocked! He learns so much at school and is already creating his unique relationship with Jesus!
A little blurry, but for the majority of the production, Landon was a bit grumpy haha. I don't think it helped that he woke up at 5am that morning. :)
All of the kids did really well!
So proud of my little man!
Our GQ guy dressed to impress!
Landon David Magnuson. December 15, 2011