Christmas Day Dinner and Santa Visit

We spent Christmas Day with my Uncle Rich and Aunt Bev at their place for dinner. The kids had a surprise visit from Santa during gift opening - it was the highlight of the day for them! The next morning, Evan, my Dad, Uncle Rich, and Shane departed for their annual fishing trip to Canada - they are expected to be back on Monday or Tuesday.

Christmas Eve Service at Church

Grandpa and his boys were all dressed alike for church service on Christmas Eve. It was the first time I have been to the Kroschel Christmas Eve church service in many years - too bad Carter was too tired to enjoy it - I spent the time outside the glass window in the back, trying to keep him content! It was still a very nice service - my favorite part is when the children hold the candles, turn out the lights, and sing Silent Night - just beautiful!

Christmas with Great Grandma

We were glad Grandma was able to join us for Christmas for dinner and gift opening. She enjoys the visits with the kids so much!

You'll notice that I was able to be in the first photo - I received a new tripod for my camera for Christmas. Since I was not expecting to receive a gift, I was very excited! I love it! I can actually be in some of the family photos now!!!! :)

Sunrise on Christmas Morning

It was such a gorgeous morning, I had to take a shot as the sun was coming up over the trees.

Christmas at Mom and Dad's

We were at Mom's for the past week. We spread out gift opening over the course of 3 days. Here are a few shots from gift opening:

Happy 4th Birthday, Ryan!

Does it ever hit you sometimes how incredibly fast time goes? Today I have stopped to think about how fast the last 4 years have gone. Amazing! Ryan had a great birthday party, despite the snowstorm/upcoming blizzard predicted. Thankfully all of our guests in attendance lived (or were staying) within a mile or so, except my parents (and they made it home safely as well!) We had a couple of families unable to make it due to the weather, but we were grateful as many could come for Ryan's party. He had so much fun with his best friends! The neighbor group on the bottom - Grace, Ryan, Elliott, and Lukas - it is so fun to watch them grow up together! Thanks to everyone for coming and making this day so special for Ryan. Happy Birthday, Little Man! :)

Bedtime Story with Grandpa

Grandpa is by far the favorite for Carter. He can't wait to see Grandpa. We'll do only if Grandpa is not around! Grandpa read bedtime stories to Carter this weekend - Carter was in his glory! :)

Christmas Program

Ryan had his Christmas Program for Preschool this morning. The kids were so cute up on stage, singing their songs! Ryan sang a little bit, and then just watched what was going on around him. Grace was right next to him and she sang every song! It was great to see - I love his preschool teacher, Mrs. Skaff, her assistant, Mrs. Loftus, and the rest of the staff at Family of Christ! It was a very fun morning!

Ryan Graduated!

Today was Ryan's last day in Danny's Little Twos Class. He will start Little Threes after the Holiday Break. It was a quiet day at swimming lessons - he was the only child in the pool and he had 2 instructors working with him - one was in training. Ryan has come a long way since starting this class and it has been fun to see his progress. He was excited to get his "graduation bookmark"!

Daycare Birthday Party

Ryan had his birthday party with his daycare friends this afternoon. They had cupcakes and then he opened his gift from Jill - a new tent! He was so happy to tell me all about his tent! Thanks for making his day so special, Jill!

Preschool Birthday Party

Ryan had his birthday party at preschool this morning. He was so excited! Mrs. Loftus makes the day so much fun for the kids!