We found time in the middle of our move to see the Wilmington Christmas parade. We met up with a couple different families to take in all the action together.
Maaike and Carrington
Kids with Granny Sims
Most of the gang. Parents, definitely outnumbered (8-11).
The Man of the Hour - Santa!Saturday, December 10 we had our annual neighborhood Christmas party. The same families that participate in supper club get together to have dinner, exchange gifts, and cookie swap.
Kids decorating cookies
Kids decorating cookies
Gift exchange
Supper Club kids minus The Mercer's
Decorating the Christmas Tree in her skivvies!
Pictures with Santa - The classic "crying baby" photoWe had a girls night at "Dancing Girls on Ice" (as Carrington called it) with Melissa, Katy and Kelly. I wish I could have taken a video of Carrington dancing and spinning around during the entire, two hour, show. She was enthralled with the ice skaters, singing, and Santa.
A few days before Christmas my mom's small group had a Christmas party for the kids. I hosted the celebration, and was very excited to have friends over to the house once again. There were six moms and thirteen kids ranging in age from 6 months to 6 years old. It was very much a celebration about Jesus' birthday!
The youngest two. Grayson, 10 months old and Sam, 6 months old.
Carrington and Maaike
Group Shots
Sandy the Elf was loved by Carrington this year. She would wake up each morning and go on an elf hunt to see where Sandy landed for the day. Each night Sandy would fly back to the north pole and give Santa an update on Carrington's day. On Christmas eve, Sandy flies back to the North Pole to live with Santa until next Christmas. Carrington still asks daily where Sandy is, in hopes he'll come back and stay all year long.
Silly Sandy!
Sandy left Carrington a note and gift on Christmas eve morning. He told her how much fun he had spending the month with her, and what a good girl she is.
Saying good-bye to Sandy on Christmas eve night.Christmas eve we spent together as a family, went to Christmas eve service at our church, had dinner at our house, and the kids unwrapped their one, Christmas eve present. It was the start of a tradition to spend Christmas at our house, attend our church's Christmas eve service, and have Santa come down our chimney.
How could I not love these two silly babies!
Daddy loves them too! Including, Bear Dog.
Christmas eve jammies. My parents did this for us each year so I'm carrying on the tradition with my kids.
Reindeer (Sprinkles) Food!
Leaving cookies for Santa. Grayson was already asleep so she covered for him. Notice, Sandy is patiently awaiting Santa's arrival.
Santa's Late Night Delivery!
Christmas tree with presents waiting to be opened.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds. While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And, glow sticks shined bright in the night!Christmas morning started with a photo on the steps. The silliness starts early with these two, and the excitement to see their gifts was over flowing. Santa enjoyed his cookies, Sandy was not left behind, and the reindeer ate all their sprinkles. So...it was time to see what Santa left.
A tonka truck and books for Grayson. A jumping baby, jewelry box, earrings, and scooter for Carrington.
Trying out her new wheels.
Ready to start reading.
Loves his truck!
Ready to ride!
Christmas morning with the kids and dad
Christmas morning with the kids and mom
Carrington the Red Nose Reindeer!Around lunch time on Christmas day we headed out for the first of many Christmas stops. Roanoke to see Michelle's family was first on the list. Brett, Meredith and Madison met us at mom and greg's house for Christmas dinner and gifts.
Christmas presents!
CousinsNext stop, Aaron's parents. It was a low-country kind of Christmas complete with an oyster roast and fire pit.
Final stop, Myrtle Beach to spend time with Michelle's Aunt, cousins, and grandmother.
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Happy New Year and many wishes for a blessed 2012!
Love,
The Sims
