Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

After the excitement of Baby Jesus's birthday and the visit by Santa Claus, we were ready for some breakfast.  I have yet to find a breakfast tradition, but we might have one now.  We got a waffle maker, so we decided to test it out.  Waffles and bacon - yum!  We will see if it sticks. 

Both of the boys had so much fun opening their presents.  Braden wanted to stop and play with each one and would take it to daddy to open.  Just look at those smiles . . .

Both boys got some Legos - one likes to build Star Wars and the other likes to build tall towers. 

The rest of the day was spent building with Legos, dancing with Just Dance 4, playing with Tech Deck mini skateboards, and just enjoying the day as a family.  Before we knew it, it was time to head to the airport to fly to Mississippi to see the whole family.  It was truly a blessed day!

Santa Claus Came to Town

We continued our Christmas Eve traditions except for one part . . . we didn't have a Johnson representative on stage for the preschool bell performance.  Next year, Braden will get his turn to ring those bells!  We went to church, ate dinner at Sweetwater Tavern, and then headed downtown to see the National Christmas tree.  It was cold and rainy, but we persevered and didn't stay too long. 

We then rushed home to get prepared for jolly Ole St. Nick.  Instead of sugar cookies this year, we opted for chocolate chip. 

Apparently the boys were really good this year, because Santa left quite a bit!  Jackson's pile had a lot of Star Wars, a couple of Wii games, a remote control car, a 3DS case, and a mini video recorder. 

It was so much fun to watch Braden come down the stairs this year! He had been talking about Ho HO all month long, so I think he might have understood a little of it.  His eyes got so big and his smile got so wide! Santa left him a dancing Mickey, bristle blocks, a couple of books, a grocery cart, Yoda, a rocking police car, and stacking blocks. 

 

We had a wonderful Christmas day, but you will have to wait until the next post to read about it! 

Mary and Joseph - Kindergarten Style

Jackson's kindergarten class told the story of baby Jesus, and he was picked to be Joseph - complete with speaking parts!  He was so excited and practiced his lines every night.  Each student had a special part, and it was just so precious to watch.  

Joesph and Mary with baby Jesus

The whole class paused for pictures.  Don't you love the star? 

 

I was so proud of my little guy!  He remembered all his lines and even said them loud enough for all to hear!  But what is even better is knowing that he now has the story of the birth of our Savior hidden in his heart!

 

Making a List and Checking it Twice

Another Christmas, another trip to see the Tyson's Santa!  I was a little worried that Braden might freak out and cry, but obviously we got a smile.   I think it helped that Jackson was right beside him and that we had talked about Santa the entire way there! 

We went early in December and I was really worried that the lists would change multiple times - poor Santa.  However, we made it the whole month with no changes!  Jackson asked for a 3 DS case, a remote control car, and Just Dance 4 for the Wii.  Since Braden didn't really have a clue, Jackson gave him a little help.  He thought Braden would like Yoda and books. 

Only time will tell if Santa really listened!