Christmas, Christmas and Christmas

I love Christmas and the holiday feeling that comes with it! This year, I was excited to do my shopping, totally had holiday cheer and everything! As Christmas grew closer, I found myself feeling a bit less cheery and a little more- well- sad. I'm a traditionalist I guess and really wanted really cold weather and snow for Christmas (I know... how greedy!). Carter did too. He got up on Christmas and the first thing he did (after coming down and being surprised with all of the gifts- of course), was run to the window and question where the snow was. But... at least we weren't freezing as we did our annual traveling from place to place. =)

We started the season with a tradition of decorating cookies with Nana. This is the third year doing it- and the kids love it!
Just getting started:
Nathan


Carter and just cleaned, icing fingers...


Lylah


And Braydon, my nephew


I love this picture of him!


Just a few more sprinkles!!


Then, Lylah had to go potty- I know this may be a just bit inappropriate, but it was too cute not to put on here!!



Now, some may not know, but I think most do, that Lylah is terrified of Santa Claus. I think it all started with Christmas Eve 2007 at my Dad's. Take a look:

So, it's no wonder that this year, with every mention of Santa, Lylah would make it VERY clear that she is "cared uh anta-cahs" (that's 'scared of Santa Claus' for those that don't speak toddler!). To let you know just how scared she is, she knocked books off of the table at Barne's and Noble when he was there because she was trying to get away so fast, she about jumped out of the cart at Walmart and threw a fit walking in because the bell-ringer looked like him, and then at Kroger Santa was in line behind her (and the store was PACKED) so she screamed for 10 minutes until it was finally time to get out of there! Seriously... she has issues! Anyway, he made a visit to an event we were at with my Mamaw. Here's her feelings about Santa now:


Carter and Nathan obviously don't mind... they love Santa! Carter asked for a Optimus Prime Helmet (thank you Papaw Paul) and Nathan asked for a Puppy (sorry Charlie!).



Mya asked for 'all the candy and all the toys'.



Then, Aunt Christy came over to bring them presents! Carter got an Operation Hulk game, Nathan got a Flippin Frogs Game, and Lylah got a Dora Backpack and purse-- which she LOVES!


Aunt Christy's gift was lots of lovin' from Reno!



Every Christmas Eve, we celebrate Christmas at my Dad and Tammy's. It's something I always look forward to.

My step-sister and her daughter, Kammy. Isn't she a beautiful baby!

Lylah loves her Princess dress!

Me and my Mya-girl!

Carter loves his Transformers and Nathan could play with cars and semi trucks all day long!


Then, it's Christmas morning at home!!!
The note from Santa! He leaves one every year - the kids get so excited about it!

Santa threw-up...


Lylah adores the mermaid outfit she received for her Jazzy (build-a-bear bunny).


Cali was excited to get a squeaker toy.


Next, we go to my Mom and John's house for the tons of presents Santa left for them over there too!


Strike a pose:


Merry Christmas Mom and John!


Would you look at that- there's one of me!

(note... yes, I do realize I do not have any pictures of Nathan or Zach- I'm awful... sue me.) lol - there was so much going on- I guess I didn't realize. =(
(I just realized I don't have any of Pete, Carrie, or Mya either. Dang-it I stink!)

Well- then it is over to my Grandma Ann's house, but I forgot to take my camera in. Another big =(
But, I will mention that I love going over there to visit with all my Heaviland family that I don't get to see near enough. New Year's resolution...hmm?

After that, we head back to our house to cook dinner for the Farrell Christmas. Zach's Dad and Brother- and his boys all come over. We open presents again and have a gay-ole-time. (yes I did... lol!)
Here's Travis and Paul lounging on the couch - watching whatever game was on. It must have been basketball or college football- otherwise I'd know. Okay- so I'd only know if it was NFL.




"I'm not listening to you..."

I think the ornament in the background says a lot...

Hello... meet Lylah:


Nathan throwing a fit over something- don't remember- but HAD to take a picture of it! There's not even any tears! FAKER!

Seriously... this one was taken like 2 seconds later!

And... here's Carter! (say it right: heeeeerrre's Carter!)

"Seriously mom- that's enough pictures!"


The only reason he wanted me to be done is because he wanted to take a picture himself of me and Cali!





(I couldn't have one of Lylah and I together on here- she's in her naked stage, so the picture is not one I want posted!)


And... then I was so sick the next day! I was hit with a horrible 24 hour flu bug and it was all I could do to barely move my body I hurt so bad. Lylah was sick too, poor thing couldn't keep anything down. So, while me and Lylah did our best on the couch and chair, the boys ran a tornado through the house! Luckilly, Travis was off work and nice enough to bring the boys lunch. And, thank God the boys never did get more than a stuffy nose (knock on wood!). Lylah was herself later that night. It took me a couple of days though before I was feeling back to normal. Zach was super sweet and went and got me three different kinds of medicines, lots of fluids, and took care of everything for me so I could rest.

So, that brings us to the new year! Pics to come...