All I want for Christmas...

...is a "black BMW". Yes sir, that is what our 3 year old little boy told Santa he wanted for Christmas this year. It's no surprise with his love of cars and trucks, and really anything that has wheels, that Graham would ask Santa for a REAL black BMW but that is the one and only thing he wanted this Christmas. 

Children make the holidays so much fun and our two little ones loved everything about Christmas this season. With Graham's birthday being in December it's only fitting that he would be a true Christmas baby. We started listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving (and Graham will proudly sing each and every Christmas song, his favorite being "Rocking around the Christmas tree".  Once the neighborhood yard inflatables started popping up we enjoyed daily walks to check out the décor.  We put our tree in the study and luckily only one ornament was broken this year.  The kids loved watching the Christmas classic movies (Rudolph and Frosty) and playing with the silly Christmas décor we had lying around the house. The kids saw Santa when we went to Bryson City to ride the North Pole so once we got back into town we got our tree and decorations up and anxiously awaited Christmas eve/day.

We had a little visitor this year, Mr. Jingles! He showed up one morning with white powdered donuts and a book with a note telling us he was sent by Santa himself to make sure we are having fun and being nice this season. Both kids LOVED having him around and would come downstairs in the morning and finding him would be the first thing they did.  He moved around from place to place and did a few silly things.  We sure do miss him but look forward to him returning next year!

Mimi and Papa Ron came to visit us a few days before Christmas which started the festivities.  The kids loved opening presents and especially liked the elf microphone Mimi brought-it's coming to Aiken next time Mimi so watch out!  Christmas eve we spent the day just hanging out as a family.  Our neighbor, the famous Mr. Roy, has (not kidding) 9 huge yard inflatables, along with synchronized lights/music, etc. put up his snow machine so the kids had a "white Christmas" after all! After playing at Mr. Roy's we came home and baked cookies for Santa, had a little Bible lesson and then headed to bed.  Christmas morning was so fun! Both kids were SO excited to see what Santa brought them. We played hard all day and then headed to Aiken the next day to spend the rest of the weekend in Aiken visiting Nana and Papa and even making time to see Aunt Heather and Uncle Matt (we missed P-pa and Brenda but we are so glad P-pa is feeling better!). 

Christmas is such a magical time and I have to say I was sad to take down our decorations. I was pleasantly surprised today when Graham asked if Santa is still watching to make sure he is being good. The countdown is on until next year- enjoy the pictures!

 Anne Holland's gifts from Santa.  The retro kitchen was a BIG hit with both kids! She also really likes her ride on Minnie Mouse car-she loves Minnie!

 Graham's gifts from Santa-LOVES the BMW, "yard man truck" and matchbox cars and accessories. Also has been enjoying the Planes DVD and toys

 

 Pure joy!

Checking out their hot new rides! 

 

 My precious babies in their matching Santa outfits. 

 

Had to post a picture of Anne Holland comparing her this year to last.  We gave her the monogrammed "Bashful Bunny" last Christmas and here she is this year holding it.  It is her security and she loves bunny so much and sleeps with it and carries it around.  As soon as she sees it, her fingers go straight in her mouth.  Love this girl to pieces!!