Christmas 2011...

I'd have to say that we had the perfect Christmas. yes it was busy, but so worth it! The kids are at the funnest age and were ecstatic over everything. Cael especially made the holiday special. The kids got out of school on the 21st and that night I was asking Cael if he was ready for Christmas. He got a sad look on his face and said that one of the kids in his class was going to get coal for Christmas. When I asked why he thought that he said this boy had made Gareld cry during recess. Cael saw this kid making fun of Gareld so he went over and told him to "knock it off" and asked Gareld to come play cars with him. He then told me that Gareld didn't have any cars to bring to school. Gareld has some learning/speech disabilities and comes from a large family that struggles financially. This was not the first time Cael had worried about Gareld and has told me on several occasions that he has stuck up for him. I thought about this little boy all night and tried to think of something that we could do. The next night Cael again started talking about him and when I asked if we should take him a gift his face light up! We ran up north that night to get some last minute Christmas things and took the kids to the festival of lights and Salem ponds. Before heading home we stopped at Walmart so Cael could pick out something for Gareld. It didn't take him long to pick out the perfect set of Matchbox cars. We got home late and the next morning Cael got right up and wrapped the present himself and was thrilled that we still had matchbox wrapping paper left. He was so excited to take it to him and asked on the hour if we could go yet. When we finally made it out there and found his house Cael jumped right out of the car and ran to the door. Unfortunately he wasn't home so he left it with his older brother. He hopped back in the car with a big grin on his face. Me and Casey's eyes filled with tears and I couldn't have been prouder! It was so sweet! We got to experience the true meaning of Christmas and I hope Cael will remember that feeling forever.

All the loot....

Kensie got....

Leapster explorer with purse and games
Kitchen appliances microwave, mixer, toaster, vacuum and cleaning supplies.
clothes
Hot potato game
coloring book
charm bracelet
minnie mouse plate set
cooking set & outfit -g&g Jarrett
sleeping bag, clothes, barbie- g&g Smith
Silvermist doll-Chris & Jakoye
Baby bathtub & kitty jammies- Newtons


Cael got.....

Lego Millenium Falcon

R/C car

Harry Potter Ds Game

Kerplunk game

Lion King plate set

Star Wars figures

Clothes-Star Wars jacket...that he loved!

Playdough Transformer set/clothes G&G Jarrett

Sleeping bag/clothes/Car's DS game-G&G Smith

Pirates of the Carribean Lego set-Chris & Jakoye

Lego water bottle/football jammies-Newtons

Before Santa went to bed...
Cael loved watching these cars race down at the fair and fell in love. They are a hobbie grade which means it's super fast 35 mph+, water proof, sand proof, and does tricks. By far his favorite gift.

Kensie loves playing housewife so when I was trying to decide what to get her a kitchen came to mind. The only problem is we already have one. It's not fancy and doesn't make any noise so she doesn't play with it much. I found all the fun appliances at Toys R Us and they fit perfect on her old kitchen and make it that much more entertaining.

She also asked for a DS, but I found this explorer for a rockin deal and it is very educational and interactive....She loves it!

Wouldn't be Christmas without Lego's....

Grandpa built the boys these ramps and they work awesome!

Grandma's new coat from everybody

Halle with her charm bracelet we gave her.

Gav loved the Rock'em Sock'em we gave him

I'd have to say this has been our best christmas yet. We tried to keep it simple this year and actually spent around half of what we usually do. The funny thing is that I think the kids enjoyed it more without all the junk and actually appreciated their things more. I totally learned my lesson and will try and keep it simple from now on. Merry Christmas!