Christmas 2017

It was a good Christmas this year. 

SO much excitement this Sunday morning!

A fun first Christmas with all 4 kids!!

Here's Madi's wish list to Santa . . . 

And Santa's letter back . . .

Madi got her violin finger tuner and music stand, as well as ear plugs that she'd asked for, with a journal/planner that she was excited about. She also got a set of acrylic paints and canvases from Spencer and I (want), a couple of new long sleeve shirts (wear), a series of Shakespeare books (read), and underwear (a need she wasn't super thrilled about).   

Santa brought Elle a gymnastics mat for all her flips that she's constantly doing as well as a knitting kit that ended up being a huge hit with her and Madi (more pictures of all the knitting later). She also got a brush from Santa (so no more fighting with Madi over brushing hair) as well as all her favorite treats and bubble gum. From Daddy and Mommy she got clothes (need) the Harry Potter series (read), a rainbow watch (want), socks (wear and a major need)! 

A letter Calvin wrote to Santa later at school after he'd already written his first Santa letter:

Santa brought Calvin a cool "kids watch" as well as his first ever pedal bike! 

Cal also got a remote control car from Spencer and I.

Sweet baby James got some big boy binkies and his first tooth brush and paste. 

We did presents pretty quick this year. We finished everything before needing to get ready for 11am church. 

The Calhouns had our family this year and the boys were super stoked about their new Hess truck.

The girls got some cool "tear it up" American Girl activity books from Calhouns!

I loved watching James interested in all the little things. 

Our landlords (Laura and Charlie) got the girls this fun game. 

They gave Cal some cool dinosaurs . . . 

And James a new little toy! They are always so sweet to think of us!

These are the moments I will always treasure! 

It was such a treat having Gram and Papa with us. They spoiled the kids with all sorts of gifts. The girls got tons of new stuff for their American Girl dolls (gymnastics and swimming outfits 

and nail polish for Julie, and a bonnet with nail polish for Caroline) as well as Usborne books for everyone. The girls also got earrings Papa bought them in Hawaii. 

Cal is thrilled about his new "take along" knight castle!

After opening stockings, we had breakfast of all the new favorite cereals. 

After church I could hardly wait to go on a bike ride with James. 

I had told Spence I didn't want a bike but it really is SUPER sweet and I am SO excited to go on so family bike rides! 

It only took Cal 5 minutes to get the hang of his new bike. 

He is our youngest rider yet (the girls both learned at 6)!!

Needless to say, we were all crazy excited about Cal's newest accomplishment!!

The knitting began that night! Gram is such a wonderful, patient teacher. 

I was grateful for this special, one-on-one time Elle got with Gram to learn how to knit. 

Madi also listened in and then went out the next morning to buy herself some yarn and knitting needles to join in on the knitting party.

Papa gave the girls these head lamps for them to read their new books in bed. 

It was a great Christmas well spent with those we love!