Carrie's random thoughts and updates.. all in one pretty little package!: Christmas Time 2008

I LOVE CHRISTMAS

Christmas has always been my most favorite time of the year. I love it. Living 4 hours away from your family makes it a little different but it can still be magical.

We decorated our house before Thanksgiving this year. I was just ready to have my Christmas lights up so I could sit in the dark with the tree lit up and the fireplace on. I love doing that.

Our first celebration was Breakfast with Santa at Matthew's school. Matthew was so excited to get to see Santa but nothing would stop him from eating his pancakes first (no butter please)! We stood in line to meet Santa and he had it all planned what he was going to say. It was finally his turn and he approached Santa and suddenly he became the most shy little boy around and could only tell Santa he wanted a truck for Christmas. I assured him Santa knew he wanted more then just a truck and that it would all be OK. He looked at me and said "why did I get so shy?" After the excitement of seeing Santa we went to the craft area where he made candy canes, reindeer food, colored pictures and even got a few tattoos! Cedar Ridge Elementary in Grovetown is a great school and this was a very fun day.

Matthew and Santa 2008

Our next adventure was to go see the lights at Lights of the South which is located right down the road from us. Check them out here: http://www.lightsofthesouth.com

The lights were so pretty! We went on a hayride, ate at Mrs. Clause kitchen, roasted marshmallow, Matthew rode a train and played on a cool playground. This place is very affordable and worth the trip. If your in the area next year let me know and we will definitely go! My camera doesn't do this place justice you have to see them to really enjoy them but here are a few of my favorites:

Before we knew it, it was Christmas Eve. Santa was planning on visiting Matthew at his Nanny and Papaw's house and his cousin Abbey made him a special sign to put on the porch so Santa knew where to find him. We spent Christmas Eve day with the Peterson's. Martha always cooks great food and we never go hungry. We enjoyed our time together eating, talking and opening gifts. The kids ripped into the gifts so fast it was hard to take any pictures or know who was doing what. They enjoyed it though so I guess that is what matters. We did miss Mindy and Courtney this year. I just didn't have my camera ready to go that day so if Martha has any great pictures send them to me please! Christmas Eve night we went back to my parents to prepare for the big visit! Matthew was so excited he almost never fell asleep.

Christmas Day was a blast like always. Matthew loved every one of his gifts. Spike the Dinosaur scared him a little at first... well who am I kidding.. he scared me too!! I think the big hit with the kids was Lucky the amazing puppy. It was my favorite too! Before we knew it, Christmas was over but we still had New Year's to look forward to!

Matthew and Noah looking sharp!

We must not forget Nanny's favorite photo... her girls!

New Year's Eve is also Papaw's birthday and every year we go to my sister's house for a little get together. We couldn't get over how it felt like it was just the week before that we were getting together to ring in 2008. This year flew by way too fast! The kids took a spin on Abbey's new 4 wheeler, they ate and played and of course had cake.