What better way to start the holidays than with shooting some guns?! We took a field trip to Bass Pro Shop when Grandma and Grandpa got to town and we were going to attempt a 2nd Santa visit but the line was way too long for us!
After getting some souvenir cowboy/cowgirl hats we were on our way to Chase's most anticipated lunch of the week. Poor Santa had been searching all over town for Ninja Turtles and all along McDonald's was putting them in happy meals. When you're 4 that's even better - chicken nuggets + ninja turtles in one stop!
Later it was off to Build-A-Bear. Taylor still wasn't sure if she was interested or not.
She finally decided it was fun when it came time to pick out the clothes.
Sparkles and more sparkles - and even a smile!
Dave helped Chase get his bear dressed. This proved to be funny when the cashier pointed out that the shorts were on backwards. Dave thought the opening should go in the front "like boxers" not in the back where a teddy bear has a tail to stick out!
One happy basketball bear.
Gotta take a picture in front of the tree.
And then another.
Taylor enjoying a little "Q" for lunch with Vickie.
Opening Christmas presents. I'm pretty sure between travels and packages in the mail and visitors these kids got gifts just about every week since Thanksgiving. Next week is going to be pretty dull.
Checking out the big surprises!
"Just what I wanted" - it was his line for every single gift. He loves it all!
New bikes!
Too busy to even pose for a picture.
Sometimes we just wonder about her and what's going on in her little head.....
Making (and eating) cookies for Santa.
Notice there are more sprinkles on the pile of dough and none on the actual cookies. Quite a mess.
Santa came!
The kids didn't make it down until about 7am, not bad!
Taylor needs a good hour to be awake before human interaction.
She opened most of her gifts looking like this!
Chase showing off all his loot. He said the only thing Santa forgot was the Ravens jersey. We told him Santa must still be pulling for the Bengals this season :)
We let Taylor eat a little candy to perk her up faster!
It worked!
Showing off the Ninja Turtles.
One last pic with Grandma and Grandpa before they headed home.
Then over to my parents house for more fun.
Present chaos. I couldn't tell you who got what from who. I just know we came home with a new wardrobe of clothes and a slew of toys for each kid!
A new Ninja Turtles shirt from Bryce. I had to pry it off of him just long enough to wash it yesterday!
Poor Emmy. She gave Taylor this baby set and all Taylor tried to do was feed her fake food the rest of the morning! She's a good sport.
Chase passed along his old bike to Bryce for Christmas. Dave and Jason were the ones that let the kids get in the giant plastic bag to get it! They all made it back out.
All 3 kids wearing clothes they just got!
Taylor showing off too many of her new clothes at the same time!
My dad with his brother, sister and mom.
My mom with all of her siblings and parents.
And us! It was a very Merry Christmas. Now who wants to come pack up the decorations for me?
One final celebration - Megan and Carl are officially engaged! If you look out your front door you can probably see the glare off her ring and her smile :) Congrats!
