Land of Lancaster

Monday, December 24, 2012

Santa Cookies!

After feeding the reindeer it was time to take care of Santa... and make cookies, of course! Carter LOVES using a rolling pin and cookie cutters to make cookies! Camden looked like she could get use to making cookies like this too! After the cookies baked, it was time to decorate them with icing and sprinkles! We have so much fun making Santa cookies on Christmas Eve!

Our little chef...

and our little chef in training!

Daddy helped out, too!

Camden loved trying to spread the icing on the cookie!

Carter wanted to keep sampling the icing!

We hope Santa enjoys sprinkles! Whoa!

All ready for Santa! We left Santa a star cookie from Camden and a stocking cookie made by Carter!

Getting ready for the Reindeer!

On Monday, December 24th, we went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at our church. We love going to this service. We weren't really sure how Camden would do during the sevice but she did fabulous! She really enjoyed all the traditional Christmas carols and hymns! Carter loved lighting his own candle this year (with Joe's help, of course). After church, we headed home to change into our pajamas and start our "Santa" activites. First up, we had to sprinkle our yard with the reindeer food we made over Christmas break. This is a family tradition that we hope the kiddos never outgrow (we can hope can't we?).

Our Christmas Cuties (after the church service)!

Carter showing off his reindeer food we made!

Carter and Camden were ready to sprinkle the yard!

Carter was a little unsure but he quickly got the hang of it!

Camden, Mommy, and Carter had so much fun throwing the Reindeer Food all around the yard!

The glitter really adds that sparkling effect! We love it!

Carter loved taking handfuls and throwing it everywhere! Who needs a spoon?

Buddy Elf 2012

Here is our Christmas journey with Buddy Elf (our Elf on the Shelf who comes to our house each Christmas to make mischief and bring such delight to our children!):

Make a picture slideshow

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas with MawMaw and PawPaw

On Saturday, December 22nd, MawMaw and PawPaw came into town for a Christmas visit. They were only able to stay the day with us due to Uncle Mike's father's motorcylcle accident (he is now doing well but at the time he was placed in the ICU). Although our visit was short, Carter and Camden had a ball spending the day playing and opening presents! Merry Christmas, MawMaw and PawPaw! We love you very much!

Camden and Carter with MawMaw and PawPaw! Too cute!

Ripping into their gifts!

Look at the pure excitement on Carter's face!

Camden had to learn how to open presents...believe me, it didn't take her long to figure it out!

"Cheese!"

Carter LOVED his present from Cousins Chase and Landri!

Whatever Carter has, Camden thinks she needs too!

(Aunt Lizzy and Uncle Mike know this too well, too!)

PawPaw with his new griddle! Who is ready for some pancakes???

MawMaw had some help opening her presents... imagine that!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Our Little Performer!

On Tuesday, December 11th, Powell United Methodist Child Care Center had their annual Christmas Program. With Carter now being in the 3 year old class, his class got to perform in the program! He was so excited for several weeks before the performance telling us about their songs and how they would practice in the big church each day! We were so excited to see what he would do that night and let me tell you, he did not disappoint! It was the cutest thing ever!! Carter sang his little heart out! They performed 3 songs... Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Jesus Loves Me. We are so proud of our little performer!

Carter and his teacher, Ms. Lisa

The early 3 year old class, 3 year old class (Carter's class), and the 4 year old class performed first!

Our little performer singing his heart out!

Carter with his best buddy Alex! Isn't she adorable??

These 3 are 3 peas in a pod! (Jackson, Alex, and Carter)

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Our Visit with Santa

On Saturday, December 8th, Santa Claus made his yearly visit to our house! As always, Carter and Camden were a little scared at first. After Santa visited for awhile, they warmed up and enjoyed telling Santa what they wanted him to bring them on Christmas morning. Carter wants a Bucky ship (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates), a Jake sword, and Jake stuffed characters. Camden wants a Bitty Baby... although she doesn't really know it yet, and a recliner chair like Carter's chair. Santa Claus is wonderful and ALWAYS knows what Carter and Camden want before they even tell him! He's so magical! We want to thank Ms. Patti (and Mr. Tommy too!) for bringing Santa over to visit each year! These are family memories that our children will never forget!

Camden wasn't too happy sitting on Santa's lap!

Carter didn't know what to do except cling onto Mommy!

We eventually got a family picture!

Carter with Santa

Camden and Santa

When Santa was leaving, Carter surprised us all and gave Santa a hug! What a sweetie!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Circle G Ranch with MawMaw and PawPaw

After a few quick pictures for MawMaw and PawPaw's Christmas card, we all headed to Circle G Ranch for some safari fun! Once there we all piled in PawPaw's truck to go on our animal adventure! We had a great time feeding the animals, petting the animals, and playing on the playset! Carter and PawPaw even went on a Camel Ride! Whee! We had a great weekend and are so happy they were able to visit!