Christmas Eve traditions...

Here's a few of our traditions we've started through the years...

*Making sugar cookies for santa

*After dinner we watch a video about the birth of Christ

*The boys put on their new Christmas jammies and hunt for the "pickle" ornament on the tree. The 1st one to spot it gets a prize. The prize is always a gift that all 3 boys can enjoy together to avoid any fights. Carson was the winner this year and the prize was the movie "An Elf's Story"

*A reading of "The Night Before Christmas"

*Putting out milk and cookies for santa and carrots for the reindeer. This year the reindeer got apples since we were out of carrots..oops!

*One final viewing of Santa's route on the NORAD santa website before it's off to bed












SANTA came!!

Introducing Zinkle...

This year we received an "Elf on the Shelf" by mail. We are assuming Santa must have sent him. ;) For those of you who may not be familiar, when your elf arrives you must name him and then begins the magic. Our boys chose the name Zinkle. Once Zinkle had been named they could not touch him or risk Zinkle losing his magic. Every night Zinkle flies to the North Pole to report to Santa on the boys' behavior that day. The fun part was finding what crazy spot we'd find Zinkle in each morning. Here are a few of our favorite discoveries...


Reading his own story in our copy of "Elf on the Shelf"


Playing a little air hockey.


A game of cards.


Syrup is like water for Zinkle.


Riding bareback on our reindeer.


Hiding in our tree.


No snow...no problem! Zinkle improvised with some rice!


He loves his candy!

Polar Express!

This was our 2nd year visiting the North Pole on the Polar Express! We always have such a great time and this year was extra special since London is obsessed with trains and finally understands what Santa is all about. Two of Weston's brothers went with us with their families which made it all the more fun! We can't wait till next time!



We always have to get a family pic in the warm, cozy lobby of our hotel.




It's time to board the train!


This is London's "grouchy" face.


Enjoying our cookies.


I love how their hot chocolate is slightly warm...the perfect temp for little ones.


Tickets please!


Reading along with the story.


We've arrived!


The North Pole!


They love all of the lights.


Singing carols while we await Santa's arrival.


SANTA!!


London got his bell!


As you can see he's pretty excited about it!


Vistiting the elf in the North Pole room.


Mailing their letters to santa.


They love this little town.




Checking out a few of the fun light displays.





We had to check out the train the next morning in the daylight.


On our way home we stopped at a park in Flagstaff so the boys could have some fun in the snow...












So glad we have all that snow gear leftover from Minnesota! ;)