Christmas Cheer

T-6 days...but who's counting?!? Our house is full of Christmas excitement and cheer.  The innocence of the kids and their pure joy for the season continues to ground us during those stressful days and hours leading up to all the festivities.  It's truly magical to be able to experience this holiday through the eyes of our children.  We. are. so. blessed.

These photos were taken when we were waiting in line to take a photo with Santa.  Most kids would be thrilled to feel the cold ice and paw print from a polar bear, but not our son, no it wouldn't stop there.  Shortly after the picture was taken, I hear a man calling out to me, "Miss, Miss, you're son is licking the ice."  

I would give $100 at this age to take a "normal" picture with the two of them together.

Who wouldn't be all smiles for a late night smoothie?

And a chance to eat some all of Daddy's ice cream...

Look at the trouble that Shelf got himself into while the kids were sleeping.  Their reaction was great!  They were so concerned that he was going to get in trouble for making a mess.

Penny horsey rides at Meijer!!!  Great bribery while we are in the store too!

 Office Christmas party with the two best bosses...5 years and counting at the "new" office.  So proud of them for the practice that they are building together and the patients they continue to genuinely care for everyday.

First real snow of the season, too bad it was absolutely freezing.

My parents made their annual trip to our house in December to exchange gifts and celebrate the holiday together.  The kids play "elf" and "Santa's helper" and enjoy passing out all the gifts.  

He couldn't get the new pajamas and backpack on fast enough.  He calls it his "power pack" and "shoots fire" from the blue straps.

Playing hair and make-up with her new Sophia doll.

Helaina's first Red Wings game of the season.  Unfortunately, the only two things she could talk about were the slushies and the dance music.  She still looks super cute in that jersey though :).

Just hours before this photo was taken, our little man was at the doctor.  103.9 temperature, a double ear infection, and a cough that produced vomiting...amazing what Motrin, Claratin, and an antibiotic can do for a 2 year old.  Unfortunately, he had to miss out on what should have been his first ever Wings game...there's always next time.

This photo was taken today at school, and it is everything that I love about our son and his first school friend, Griffin.  Griffin, a fellow farm boy from Iowa with his overalls and our son dressed in everything superhero.  I had my phone out to take a photo of Zach with his hand-made ornament and in the process, Griffin planted the biggest hug and kiss on Zach's cheek.  Made.my.heart.melt.  A photo of pure love and joy.  Merry Christmas!