Visit with Santa

  Every year we head to the Marietta Square to visit Santa.  Here are a few pictures:

Best Christmas Ever!!

We had a wonderful Christmas with both sides of our family at our house.  It started around 8 am with Santa.  Both boys got excited to check out their stockings.

Caden was so excited he could not stop pointing!  Grayson enjoyed watching Caden get his presents!

                He loved his dino walker...  Grayson is too busy checking out his StarWars lego sets!

Playing with his toys from Santa.

After Santa my family headed over for breakfast and more presents.  We enjoyed the morning with my parents, Allie, Elijah and Bill.   Everyone enjoyed spending the morning together and watching the kids open their presents.

Just the beginning of all the Wii Games Grayson got.  These three are from Grandpa and Uncle Adam. 

Caden playing with one of his favorite toys... his Drum from Aunt Allie!  And of course Dakota has to check it out!

                                              Grayson riding his new bike from Nana and Fafa!

JR's family came over too during the afternoon.  We enjoyed having his mom, stepdad, sister Savanah and Mar.  They joined in the present opening and eating!

About half way through the afternoon the SNOW started... We finally had a white Christmas!! It was absolutely beautiful!!!! 

We ate a yummy lunch of pork tenderloin, ham, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and salad.  Overall, I would have to say this was our best Christmas yet!!  As the night ended we were convinved to pack up and head to my parents to get snowed in over there!  As the night ended we played the Wii and enjoyed eachother's company

Lights of Life

We have a tradition that every year we go to Life College in Marietta to see the Christmas lights.  We always pile into my parent's car and head out!  This year we had one more little person so JR got to ride in the back of their SUV.  After the lights we head to Krispy Kreme :)  Grayson enjoyed riding a train and visiting the petting zoo while we were there.  Caden enjoyed looking at the lights, dancing and yelling at the animals!

JR and Grayson having a little Elf fun!

Having fun at the Petting Zoo... Poor little animals....

Caden wants in there so bad!!

The boys looking at the lights!

LOL this picture cracks me up!! Caden is yelling let me go I have lights to see... JR and Grayson think it is soo funny!!

  

Christmas Eve

      We spent the morning and afternoon preparing for Christmas.  I had to run around to a few places and pick up a few last minute stocking stuffers.  I was also able to get away for a pedicure with my bestfriend Allison.  I was so happy to be able to spend time with her and get a nice treat for myself.  I hurried home and finished wrapping and cleaning to prepare for Christmas. 
     Later that afternoon we met our dear friends Ben and Candice at Taco Mac for a late lunch and gift exchange. They have become such important people to JR and I, and we were so happy to spend the time with them.  Caden and Aiden often get mistaken for twins these days! 
     After lunch we all headed to Noonday Baptist for the Christmas Eve service.  The service was just beautiful from the music to the message to how we took the Lord's Supper.  My family was able to pray and take the Lord's Supper together.  Grayson was able to participate in his first Lord's Supper this year since he asked Jesus to be his savior.  This year more than others I just kept thanking the Lord for giving us such a precious gift.  Maybe because I just have two little baby boys and I could not imagine giving him to others who honestly are not deserving. 
    Gresham tradition is that we all gather at my parents house Christmas Eve for dinner and cookie decorating.  This year we were blessed to have The Thorntons join us along with my sister's boyfriend Bill.  It was such a fun night spent with family and friends as we prepared to celebrate Jesus' Birthday!

At the Gresham House Christmas Eve. 

                                Caden and Aiden playing and having a good time! They are bestfriends!

Grayson and Elijah decorating the Gingerbread Train.  It is a bit messed... I tried to help and somehow put it together wrong ;)

Our annual picture by the stockings.  Caden was missing... he fell asleep before I could take it!

Growing up so fast!

This one is for Grayson... He asked "Mommy can I take one silly picture now" so I said of course!



Pre- Christmas Fun

    Christmas started Thursday night for us at JR's family's house.  We spent the evening with Mar, Lisa and John and of course the boys.  Mar had prepared all of favorite appetizers and drinks.  We love our time over there.  It is so sweet to see her interact with the boys.  She has convinced Grayson that Spiderman drops gifts on her back porch for him.  So that night he left Silly bandz for Grayson.  Her and Caden play oldies and dance.  We were also so lucky to have Lisa home from Texas.  These were her last few days before heading back to await deploying to Iraq in January.  We exchanged a few gifts and enjoyed an evening of food, music, family and fun!

Caden hanging out at Mar's wearing his new Reindeer antlers! 

Grayson and Mar sneaking in the picture :)

Caden in the antique Flanagan rocker that lifts up into a highchair!

All Caden wants to do is climb and open doors

Christmas Festivities!

   Christmas is in full swing at the Flanagan house...  JR and I keep thinking how much this year is different from last year.  With the addition of Caden Christmas has a new feeling.  We now have two precious boys to share this fun holiday with.  While we shop and get ready for the big day we try to remember to take time and remember who we are celebrating.  It is easy to get caught up in the season but it is so important to stop and remember that Jesus was born on Christmas and that is why we can celebrate.  Here are a few pictures of some of our Christmas fun!

Our Christmas Tree before presents

 Ornament painting at our friend Allison's house.  Grayson is a great artist!

I think I had more fun than Caden did :)

Grayson and Caden's Ornaments. 

Grayson- Snowman & Reindeer

Caden- Tree with fingerprint ornaments

I had a girl's night at Sips n Strokes and this is my Wooville Tree painting