Party with Santa

Our neighbors held their 2nd annual Christmas party on Saturday night. As the snow fell, we had a blast eating, laughing, being merry and enjoying a visit from Santa himself!

Eli was unsure of Santa and would only get this close.....

.......Carter, on the other hand, loved Santa!

Our hosts, the Torrisi Family.

All of the kids.

He told me that he was a Santa in training.

Little Gingerbread Manger

Carter and I shared a special morning last week making an adorable gingerbread manger. This project reserved for only the Seniors and their parents had Carter excited for a couple of weeks. Having seen the older children's mangers in past years, Carter was so excited that it was finally his turn to make his very own.

Carter and two of his friends from school. The three of them have been together for the last three years. I know that Carter will miss them tremendously next year as they spread their wings and start kindergarten in different schools.

Getting ready to start......

.....so very proud of his manger.

Complete with every piece of candy and confection offered. Mary and Joseph are along side of the candy canes (look hard to see them) with baby Jesus resting in the middle!

Christmas Program

Last week the boys had their Christmas program at school. They both did an excellent job. We are very proud of Carter, who was able to keep his focus and was the perfect Heavenly Host. Elijah did a great job singing with his class and the rest of the children. The boys were pleased to have Nini, Mimi, Poppy, Nanny and Pappy in attendance. Great job, Fellas!!

Below is some video. One is Carter singing and enjoying himself. The other is Eli watching all the other children in amazement. Very cute.

Gone Fishing

He doesn't stay long enough for me to get a picture of him fishing, but here is proof that a Great Heron has been flying up from the Bushkill Creek and visiting our pond. Initially we thought that he had caught and eaten all of our fish but it turns out that we have 4 survivors left. Although I am a bit annoyed that we lost some fish, he is quite beautiful and majestic to see.

O' Christmas Tree

Finding our tree this year was a blast. We went on a beautiful snowy day. The tree farm looked marvelous as the snow fell and the best part was that we were there alone. It seems that most people preferred to come before the snow started so we had acres to enjoy. The boys were happy for some freedom. We had a snowball fight, ran like crazy, found the perfect tree and this year both boys helped their dad drag the tree.

Decorating the tree was surprisingly easy and we had trimmed the tree in no time at all. Carter loved putting up all his past ornaments that he made in school. He also enjoyed finding the ornaments that 'Santa' has been leaving him for the last 5 years. Eli, as usual, just went with the flow and shared in his brother's excitement. If Carter laughed, so did Eli. If Carter screamed in delight, so did Eli. A wonderful day filled with cherished memories.

Christmas Cookies~YUM!

The boys, especially Carter, have been enjoying all of the cookie baking that's been going on lately. Carter has enjoyed learning about measuring the ingredients, then pouring everything together and stirring. Elijah is my little taste tester, of course. So far we have made many batches of chocolate chips, oatmeal chip, peanut butter, almond and cut outs...so good!

A huge mess=a good time!

Daddy and Carter rolling and getting ready to make cut outs.
Can you say sugar high?

Very serious about the task at hand.