Christmas 2015

We spent much of Christmas eve day relaxing, finishing preparations, cooking, and tracking Santa. We introduced Jeremiah to the NOAA Santa tracker and he was very interested in checking Santa's location. Before we headed out to Christmas eve service, the boys sprinkled reindeer food that Levi made at daycare and Andrew made at Kindergarten on the lawn. 

We went to 5 p.m. Christmas eve service. Andrew and Jeremiah were excited to hold their own candles during the candlelight portion. Levi liked watching daddy read at the front of the church. We returned home to a nice dinner. Daddy read the Christmas story from the book of Luke and we opened a few gifts from special friends, Kent and Marilyn Tucker. This proved to be especially exciting, as Andrew considered the drone they gave us to be his most exciting gift when asked on his return to Kindergarten. The boys prepped a few cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Then it was time to get to bed.

Boys all dressed up for church. 

Christmas morning came quickly. Santa treated the boys well. They were delighted to find a Wii U under the tree and their stockings brimming with everything from toothbrushes and new undies to candy and books. We enjoyed cinnamon rolls and then opened gifts to each other.

Jeremiah received legos, a wimpy kid book from his brothers, a hat and photo of him playing football, super hero mashers, and new shoes.

Jeremiah was super excited about his New Orleans Saints winter hat. 

Andrew opened legos, shoes, hat and gloves, new Cardinals hat, and super hero mashers from his brothers.

Andrew's new Cardinals hat.

 Levi received a new bedroom lamp, some shirts, Mickey tools from his brothers, play doh and Spiderman legos.

Levi's Mickey Mouse tools!

The boys played with a few toys while Mom and Dad packed up. We were on the road by 9:30 a.m., headed towards Grandma and Grandpa Todd's house. We spent some time with Ann, Tim and Kinsley before they had to be at another gathering. Levi received magnetic tiles that have proven to be fun for all! He has a new barn and many more cows to tend to thanks to Aunt Ann and Uncle Tim. Grandma gave Jeremiah and Andrew personalized duffle bags. Aunt Carrie gave Jeremiah and Andrew ski passes. After gift opening, the rest of the day was filled with games, movies, and rest with Aunt Carrie, Grandma Todd and Grandpa. The boys contributed Grinch hats for food on Christmas day.

The next day was time for celebrating with the Schnitzler family. Jeremiah played football with Karl and Jacques, who is staying with Sheila & Branden. We enjoyed a special lunch and the boys were blessed with many more gifts! Andrew received a case handmade by uncle Branden to display his ball collection. Jeremiah has new Illini pants from Grandma, which were great to wear to a basketball game that uncle Roger and aunt Sandra sent him to. His nativity piece this year was the shepherd Jeremiah. Levi got new shoes from Grandma and a special truck from Kyle.

Jeremiah loved learning to play 31 with some of the visitors from Costa Rica. Andrew shared his new Spot It game with aunts Karen and Leisa. Andrew and Jeremiah spent the night at Karl's house, while Mom, Dad and Levi headed back to Grandma Todd's house.

Sunday was a special time to celebrate with the extended Schnitzler family. Levi played with a few little cousins who are actually his same age. It was fun to visit with many family members we don't see often enough. The drive back to Grandma and Grandpa Todd's illustrated that the boys were wiped out from a few days of activity. That and some pending yucky weather signaled to us that we should stay put for a couple more days. Monday was a great day to relax, play with the new toys, and prep for the drive home on Tuesday.