A Visit With Santa

Of course, we had to pay our favorite jolly ol' man a visit this year so the boys could whisper what they want this year.  Evan was prepared with his list:  a Wii and some batteries (for all those electronic toys we can never keep batteries in).  I suppose a year's supply isn't too much to ask for, right?  Hehe!  Brody enjoyed his first meeting with our dear ol' Santa (yes, he was the same one we always visit)...the one and only real one, of course.  (*wink*)  Although Brody didn't pull his beard as his big brother did at his own first meeting, Brody seemed content to sit on the big guy's lap and be read a story.  Brody and Santa do have something in common -- they are both pretty jolly! 


Waiting at the door for Santa.



Big brother shows Brody what to do.



Santa seems to like this little guy.



Santa reads Brody a story.





Our boys share Santa's lap!

Meet Brewster

We started a new tradition this year. 





Yep, our Elf on the Shelf came to stay with us. 



Evan named him Brewster after his Pilgrim name from school...that was still fresh in his mind, I guess.  I do think Brewster is actually a very cool name for an elf or a person!  We also think Brewster looks amazingly similar to Brody...notice the full round cheeks, long lashes, and big mischievous grin? 



Evan wanted to show Brewster his gingerbread man he made at school this week to tell Santa. 


Brewster has already made our mornings more fun by making it a game to find Brewster's new hiding spot.  We have already discovered that Brewster likes candy canes and will be making more discoveries as the weeks go by until Christmas.

How To Make The Perfect Tree

 Our family's how to on making the perfect Christmas tree would go a little something like this:

1) Find the perfect tree.  Make sure you have a lot of fun and take a lot of pictures during the search.  For Daddy the Forester, the tree must be tall and full and must be kept watered on the Christmas tree lot if already cut down.





The boys arrive at the Christmas tree farm. 



Evan follows the peppermint path to the Christmas trees. 



He loved hopping on the peppermints.



A lot of love must go into the search.



Working together as a team works best!



Giving Mommy a hug will bring good luck on the search.



Mommy and Brody make great supervisors.



Evan is a good tree inspector.



A little game of hide-n-seek is a must.



And kisses are always welcome.



A little break to play in the straw is okay.



And boys must be allowed to climb some fences!



Mommy and Brody made a great team this year.


2) Decorate with love...and smiles!


Let the baby help straighten the lights.



And big brother hang the first ornament.



Daddy should help big brother hang the special ornaments.



And Mommy too!



An adorable baby should be placed in front of the tree. 



And should be allowed to play with a fun ornament too.



Brody liked this ornament that played his favorite lullaby.



Don't freak out if the baby tries to eat the ornament...it's not the end of the world!


THE PERFECT TREE IS MADE WITH FAMILY, LOVE, AND FUN MIXED IN!

Where a kid can be a kid...

Yes, I finally  had to give in and take Evan to Chuck E. Cheese's for his long time friend Bryant's birthday party.  Bryant and Evan had not seen each other in a few months since they no longer go to school together so it was very important that we not miss this big event.  Unfortunately, Bryant's mother had to book his birthday party on the weekend after Thanksgiving because it was the only time available.  Evan had been seeing the advertisements on TV and really wanted to go so we were happy for this opportunity.  Mommy took him while Daddy kept Brody.  Needless to say, Evan had a great time!



The first ride had to be with Chuck!




Evan really enjoyed getting to ride a horse. 







Bryant and Evan really enjoyed this game of air hockey. 




Cruisin' for chicks! 




This picture reminds me of Evan's Uncle Paul's wilder days when he was cruising the streets of Goldsboro with his buddies!  Haha!




These boys always have a blast together!




Enjoying some pizza.




Bryant has been a serious Cars fanatic for several years.  For some reason, I can't even get Evan to sit down and watch this whole movie although he has no trouble watching Transformers 1, 2, and 3 which aren't even made for kids!  




Bryant with his parents.



Evan nibbles at his cupcake. Have I mentioned this kid is no longer crazy about cake? I mean, you would never have guessed it after his first birthday!



The birthday boy with Chuck E. Cheese.



All the kids with Chuck E.



Bryant in the "tank." Not really a deprivation tank...he got to go in and try to capture as many tickets as he could hold.



Evan enjoyed this little roller coaster simulator. I sure hope he enjoys riding big coasters one day with Mommy!



Bryant really liked his present from Evan...the only non-Cars related gift.



Evan gives Bryant a big squeeze goodbye!