Grandma and Grandpa Garner came to visit two weeks before Christmas and we had yet to begin our Christmas festivities. We took advantage of their quick weekend visit to gear up for Christmas and celebrate a bit. The first order of business was putting up the Christmas tree.
Peek-a-boo, I see you!
Kellan enjoyed a snuggle with Grandma since he was upset that he couldn't play with the Christmas decorations.
Ahhhh Grandma has such a cozy shoulder.
Kellan watched the decorating action from the comfort of Grandmas shoulder.
We have to use a ladder to reach the very top of the 9' Christmas tree. Oliver wanted to give it a try as well but first, we had to have a ladder safety briefing.
Cheese! Oliver decorating the Christmas tree.
In the spirit of ladder safety, always have a Mommy safety harness when standing on top step. If you're too big to have a Mommy safety harness you probably shouldn't be standing on the top of the ladder.
If you're the Mommy, you can stand on top of the two foot ladder. If you're the Mommy, you make the rules. (there were also a few comments from the peanut gallery that I chose to ignore)
We hung the stockings by the chimney with care.
Then, the biggest event of the season. Keith helped Oliver set up the train set. He had been asking for this train to be set up for 11 months.
Kellan was interested in the progress as well.
Then Grandpa got in the mix to course correct the train that found itself derailed on several occasions.
Oliver is a master train engineer.
Grandma was quick to provide a few train tunnels.
The two train engineers hard at work.
Mr Blue Eyes looking up at Grandpa's camera.
That evening we gave Christmas photos a shot as we broke out the kids' new Christmas PJ's.
These two boys are the best little elves ever!
Oliver stuck around for a few more photos as Kellan drifted off into elf land.
The two boys love marching around in their elf slippers.
For fun, here is a behind the scenes look at what it takes to get two boys to sit still and smile for a Christmas card photo.
Grandma bought us some yummy gourmet candy canes that Oliver got to test out.
The next morning we were up and watching the train engineer go round-and-round with the train. The happy little tune just about drove us all crazy.
Mommy and her boys; Oliver and Kellan
Sunday we attempted a family photo for our Christmas card. The sun was so bright on the snow that it hurt Oliver's eyes so it was deemed an unsuccessful photo op.
Kellan enjoyed a warm bottle and rest on the couch.
Sunday afternoon (after Oliver went to Charlie's birthday and he took a nap. Yes, it was a very full day!) we broke out our inner Betty Crocker and whipped up some sugar cookies.
Oliver enjoys helping in the kitchen. Maybe he'll be making us dinner soon.
Ahhhhhh (said with the tone as if Angels were singing)
Oliver had his first beater of cookie dough.
Kellan enjoyed playing with Grandpa in the living room.
Grandma taught Oliver how to roll out the cookie dough in preparation for cookie cutting time.
Oliver was great at rolling dough.
Even more than rolling the dough, he liked cutting out the shapes.
Kellan was happy that Grandpa was reading him books. Kellan has found a true love of books, just like Oliver.
The cookie process just kept getting better and better as we cut Oliver loose with frosting and sprinkles. Let the inner artist out!
Mommy joined in on some cookie decorating as well.
Kellan joined for a drink and closer observation.
A master artist at work.
Ta-Da!
Oliver's first creation.
A row of Oliver's creations.
The artists work shop.
Such a happy boy, borrowing Daddy's apron from Aunt Patty.
After a while, Kellan wanted to get in on the cookie decorating action.
The sprinkles were a big hit. So big, Kellan had a tongue out for concentration.
Kellan discovered that he could eat the "paint".
The frosting was Ooey Gooey Good!
Oliver jumped in on some of the frosting action.
Mommy and her boys having a great time with a bit of green frosting.
You just never know where green frosting will take you or who will start the craziness.
Watch out, Oliver's getting Mom's nose!
Frosting Fight!
(while Kellan ponders the madness)
What fun times a little green frosting and two adorable boys provided.
Sunday evening we had an early Christmas celebration with gifts. Since Grandma and Grandpa were here, we let the boys open gifts from them, and they opened gifts from us.
Kellan got some new cars.
Peek-a-boo
What's in here?
Oliver got the race track that was at the top of his Christmas list.
The boys loved diving into a bit of Christmas gift opening with Grandma and Grandpa.
You've Been Webbed!
Daddy and Oliver were quick to set up the new "hoola hoop" (as Oliver calls it) race track.
Both Kellan and Oliver like launching race cars into the race track.
Mom and Dad (Granma and Grandpa) got me a beautiful snow globe that Kellan enjoyed watching Santa's sleigh fly round and round in.
We ended the evening by reading the new books from Grandma and Grandpa.
Thanks for the nice visit, Grandma and Grandpa and for helping us kick off Christmas.
1 comment:
Love those green frosting faces!
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