Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was magical for both kids. As they rounded the corner of the hall into the living room their eyes were beaming. SANTA had come!! For Dalton it was an air craft carrier so he could land his airplanes on a big boat, a basketball goal and basketball. Although it took most of the morning before he realized the note Santa left saying "Too big... outside" was the basketball goal. When the weather cooperates I can see many afternoons will be spent outside with daddy shooting hoops.

For Mallory she finally got her very own oversized chair. No need to use big brothers anymore. She also got her own pillow and pink rocking horse. Since Mallory would not tell Santa what she wanted Dalton told us that Santa would know what she wanted. For those who don't know Mallory loves to ride on Dalton's big boy rocking horse but needs assistance getting on and off. Santa obviously knew Mallory needed her own horse just her size. They both enjoyed tearing into their gifts from mom and dad. Who knew paper could be so much fun! These are memories that will last a lifetime...the joys of having children.

Dalton gave Mallory a doll.

Mallory gave Dalton binoculars (some how I don't have a picture of that).

The picture above and below are the kids checking out their new ornaments for their own trees. Dalton got a big buck and Mallory got a bling bling letter M.

Dalton finally figured out what was waiting for him outside.

Christmas Eve - Winkelmann Family

 In keeping with tradition we spend Christmas Eve with Ryan's family. We enjoy visiting, eating way to much, enjoying a few drinks and watching the kids tear open their presents. Family is truely a blessing that continues to grow. Next year we will add another bundle of joy. NO, NOT US!! I know what you might be thinking, but we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new baby boy to the family via Ryon and Laura. 

Dalton with Great-Granny Winkelmann

Mallory with cousin Laura

Mallory enjoying some time with Uncle Jeff

Cousin Avery and Wes playing with Mallory

Christmas Eve Traditions

Every year before we leave our house on Christmas Eve night to head over to Grannie and Grandpa Winkelmann's house we have a few family traditions. First of all, this year was the first year that Dalton really got into the whole Santa, Reindeer and Wish List concepts of Christmas. It truely was magical. I hope this stage lasts for years to come. For Dalton it was important that Santa's reindeer know where to land Christmas Eve night. Dalton and Mallory enjoyed sprinkling reindeer dust in the lawn.

After leaving a landing strip for the reindeer we went back inside to find that Santa's elves left two presents, one for Mallory and one for Dalton, hence the bows. Dalton learned quickly that Santa's elves are sneaky and don't want to be seen. To their surprise they each got new Christmas PJs to wear to bed for Christmas morning. (A tradition we started with Dalton for his 1st Christmas)

After they opened their gifts it was time to leave milk and cookies for Santa's arrival. I think they both enjoyed eating the cookies more. Poor Mallory could not make up her mind: leave the cookie or eat it...what to do? Dalton wanted to pile the plate full. We finally conviced them two cookies was perfect: one from Mallory and one from Dalton.

 My attempt at a picture in front of the tree before we left.