Not a Creature was Stirring...

This Christmas Eve I decided to change things up a bit and start a new tradition with the kids. Instead of going into Detroit for the family Christmas party at my Uncle's house, we stayed in town and celebrated with just the 5 of us. We kicked off the evening by going to our church for the Christmas Eve service.

Pastor Lee reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to all the kids...

Aaron was a little upset I couldn't sit up there with him...

After church, we headed home to continue on with the evening's festivities. Aaron and Austin had each made reindeer food at their school parties that needed to be sprinkled on the lawn, so outside they each went to cover the ground with oatmeal and glitter.

Once that was done, it was time to open up an early present from me. They kind of knew ahead of time it was going to be clothes since I told them the only thing Mommy's and Daddy's get their kids on Christmas is clothes, while the giving of toys is saved for Santa. They were a little bummed, to say the least!!

Ready to open up their gifts...

Tearing into them...

Matching Christmas pajamas...

After they changed into their (awesome) new pajamas, it was time to put out the letter to Santa along with milk and cookies. The kids thought it was so hilarious that we gave Santa cookies of himself to eat :)

Finally it was time for my favorite tradition I have done ever since Andrew's first Christmas Eve... gather them all around my lap and read Twas the Night Before Christmas. Before I knew it, it was time to say prayers and tuck them in for the night. At first they were anxious about what Christmas morning would bring, But after 5 minutes of them being snuggled in their bed, they were fast asleep and the house was silent. And so "Santa" went to work on getting all the presents under the tree.

Merry Christmas...

From our House to Yours!!

Giggles & Frowns...

Andrew...

Austin...

Aaron...

I have to admit, each of their photos this year did an excellent job capturing each of their personalities. From Andrew's dimple grin, to Austin's forced smile, and all the way to Aaron's subtle frown, they are three of the most sincere and cutest school pictures I have ever seen. Of course, I may be just a little bias ;)

Let the Good Times Roll...

Last night was the annual Mother/Son Night through the boys' school. It's hard to believe that the first year I participated, it was just Andrew and myself. This year, all 3 boys were able to participate in the festivities. Our PTA enjoys switching up the activity each year, and this year the venue that got the most votes was a bowling alley. The boys and I had a blast bowling, playing games and hanging out with all of their school friends and moms. I can't wait to see what's in store for next year!

Andrew ready to get the ball rolling, literally ;) ...

Lining it up...

Right down the middle...

Hoping to pick up a spare...

Austin ready to throw down...

Good form...

Watching and waiting...

He loved the ball return...

How do I put my fingers again!?

Great momentum...

Aaron anxious to give it a try...

And into the gutter it goes...

And yet again...

Bumper bowling time!...

And of course, he aims it straight down the middle...

The ball weighed almost as much as him...

Andrew cheering Aaron on...

Enjoying a little snack...

My best friend, Tammy, with two of her boys, Anthony and Cody...

Tammy's other son, Nolan...

More friends - Andrea & Oakley, Mrs. Martin, Jessi & Zach...

No Tricks; Only Treats...

The kids and I headed over to my sister's house to go trick-or-treating in their neighborhood for the second year in a row. Our church does a whole night of trunk-or-treating and activities, but I think I enjoy trick-or-treating in neighborhoods far more than watching my kids play in bounce houses all night. Not to mention the fact that they get a lot more candy going door-to-door.

My Superheroes ready to go...

My sad little lady bug...

Happy again in the arms of her momma...

All ready to go hit the streets...

Trick-or-treat...

All smiles...

Patiently waiting...

And picking...

Andrew trudging to the next house...

Aaron scoping out his bucket...

Candy please, kind sir...

Alexis felt the need to knock on every. single. door. we came across...

Even when there was no sign of life inside...

Austin telling a story as he picks his candy...

Aaron all smiles...

Alexis giving it one last go...

Success...

Taking a little rest...

And a few more photos...

Shortly after this picture was taken, the boys were getting tired and ready to call it a night. I swear Alexis could've gone hours upon hours a little while longer, but I was ready to head back, too. It was another great Halloween night, and hopefully next year it will only get easier!