Christmas Eve 2010

Today we enjoyed another wonderful Christmas Eve at my parent's house. We spend the entire day there eating, opening gifts, reading the Christmas story, eating....

This year Brett read the Christmas story while the others played the parts. Micah wanted to be Joseph - here he is making his entrance. You can see Caleb in the floor - he was the cow. That was about all we could talk him into doing this year.

McKinney was the donkey and Amberleigh was Mary - they were cute!!
The whole crew - Braxton is a shepherd and Rebekah is the angel. Amelia (6 yrs. old) is baby Jesus - who says it has to make sense???

Micah loved being Joseph. He didn't take the costume off all afternoon until he opened his Buzz Lightyear wings.

This year was the 2nd Annual McKinney Family Christmas Eve Silly String Fight - so much fun for all - well, except Micah who was scared of the silly string for some reason. That obviously didn't stop Robbie from continuing to defend himself! Hee Hee!!

Aunt Claire finally rescued Micah and took him to "safety" on the front porch. What a cute, oops, I mean pitiful face!

And then present time. I love watching children open gifts.

I really love capturing great reactions to gifts. Notice Rebekah's face when she realizes Pop & Gaga gave her the American Girl horse, Penny.

Speaking of great reactions - Mom opening her Kindle which she thought she wasn't getting. Surprise!!!

Micah's favorite gift - his Buzz Lightyear wings. Too cute.

Once we get home the kids get new pajamas for Christmas. They don't necessarily like that I make them pose for pictures, but they do it - someday they will understand.

Can't forget to feed the reindeer!!

Milk and cookies anyone???

Looking for Santa up the chimney. Now that is sweet!

I thought I would throw this in for the sake of my blog book that I will print. McKinney's letter to Santa that he wrote in school was printed in the newspaper this week.

Watching one last Christmas movie before we head to bed. We call Micah our little Joyful Soul because he is always so joyful - seems like he is a little bundle of joy to the very core of who he is. That is the best way to describe my sweet little third born.

And the final reading of Twas The Night Before Christmas for the season. More to come tomorrow I am sure!

Overall I want to take a minute and reflect on today. Robbie and I are literally giddy to spend the entire day today with my family and then with his tomorrow. We can't think of a better earthly blessing that God could have bestowed upon us than our families. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve this and I am quickly reminded that I deserve NONE of this. The only thing any of us deserve is hell, but for Christ that is what we receive. However, God had a better plan. He choose to give us a perfect substitute. A baby, both fully God and fully man, sent to earth to redeem us. WOW! That is the miracle of Christmas and that is certainly something for us to celebrate during Christmas. Praise God for his plan for which I am most unworthy! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2010 McKinney Family Farmhouse Christmas

Have I mentioned how much our family LOVES going to Abbeville to the Farmhouse for Christmas? Well we do!! We have such a wonderful time seeing all the cousins, Aunts, Uncles, etc. This is a highlight for us every year and this year was no different. Everyone was here this year (no one snowed in - yea!) except David and Rachel who are in Massachusetts for Christmas. Robbie counted 32 in the Farmhouse and because of the rain and cold, there was very little playing outside - so we had a lot of indoor fun!!

Rebekah couldn't have been happier when she opened the Password Journal that she has been asking for - one happy girl!

Micah loved his pop-up Hot Wheels Diego toy. Perfect toy for a 2 year old boy!

The adults doing our "white elephant" gift swap - always fun!!

The Butler Family

The Russell Family

My Dad, his two sisters, and their cousin Olin.

My cousin Amy and her daughter, Legare.

And, the McKinney family. Not sure what is going on with my hair, or with most of us in this picture. Not the best, but will be funny in a few years!

Missing David and my hair is still crazy!

Love that Mariana is entertaining all the kids.

Gift Exchange with the Segraves

We are so blessed to have the Segraves family right up the street. You kids are growing up together right before our very eyes. I love looking back each year to see how you all have changed. We had a fun afternoon of exchanging gifts and enjoying playing together before the
"Christmas craziness" begins.

Opening gifts.

Micah got some cute Grinch pj's and he couldn't wait to put them on!

I love the "mischievous" look on Ben's face. Finally, a boy for Mrs. Paula!!

And... thank you to Lauren for taking this picture. I couldn't have asked God for a better friend in Paula - He must have known I would need her more than she will ever know!

McKinney's Visit from Santa

The kids were so excited about their visit from Santa during the Christmas Party. What fun!!

McKinney and his best pal, Drew.

McKinney - Santa came to visit and you greeted him and very quickly told him, "I have been very good this year". I love that -you have confidence in your behavior. Even if you haven't had the best day, you quickly get over it and move on to better things. I love this about you!

Then Santa went into a long explanation about why you need to get to bed early on Christmas Eve. I thought this was really cute.

Micah the Reindeer

Today, my little Joyful Soul, you had your first program at Celebration Academy. Your class sang three songs and recited a Bible verse. You looked so cute, however you didn't say a single word. We got a video, but since you didn't sing - I didn't take the time to upload it to the blog. So, here are some pictures I took at home before we left for the program.

Rebekah Takes the Lead

Today was the third AR Celebration of the school year. Rebekah - you have been working so hard to catch the girl in first place with AR points. And.... you did it!!! You are now 1st place for the entire school with AR points. Daddy and I are so proud of you and so are all your classmates. The video below is so cute - I can see you pop up in that Santa hat before Mr. Hitzges even calls your name. Way to go my sweet reader!!

Trimming the Tree and Visit with Santa

We had a great time with Santa this year. All the kids were excited to sit with him and talk about how good they have been this year!! He spent so much time with them and created a memorable experience for all of us!

We came home and trimmed the tree. Micah was especially excited since he doesn't really remember anything from last year. He loved each and every ornament - and the Georgia Tech Santa is still a fan favorite at the Crozier house!

Rebekah was really getting into it this year ~ She didn't just want her ornaments around the bottom, but insisted on climbing the ladder to make everything even! Love that!

Sweet McKinney - always looking for a good time and this is no different. So excited he could barely contain himself while I was getting the ornaments out of their boxes!

I have mentioned that I LOVE Christmas!!!