Christmas 2011

Christmas was quiet this year with just our little family but it was very nice to have two 3 day weekends where we got Justin home and we got a lot of family down time.  We watched movies, caught up on games and puzzles.  Read all of our Christmas books so much we were happy to put them away. ;)  Besides a program at church the weekend before Christmas we didn't really even have any obligations so it really was peaceful and quiet.
Christmas eve we had a candle light service for an hour then went over to our (adopted grandparents) friends Ron and Sharons home for snacks and treats.  They even got the kids some fun presents so it was a fun surprise for them and so nice to have them here to feel like family.  They have always been wonderful to us!  After that is was home to open jammies and in to bed!

Jammies and pillow pets they were thrilled.

Reading the Christmas story. (Gavin's version first)

Letters to santa.

Stockings out

And morning finally came at 5 am but Mama doesn't rise and shine until at least 6 so they had to wait. haha (and "yes" Justin is part of that 5 am crew). ;)

Grace has moved up in the world to wanting play makeup, books, and DS games. She's easy to shop for but it's not cheap anymore. :(

I love this face when Haylee saw her doll.

So excited!!!

Boy toys

New clothes.

This year the dog was the main gift and we also got the kids an overnight at Great Wolf Lodge which we printed up for them to open and they had to figure it out like a puzzle.  We are all super excited for that and the memories we will make I am hoping are far better than more clutter to fill my house. ;)


After breakfast of cinnamon rolls and little smokies we headed to the movies. (thanks to Grandma and the movie tickets)  Justin got me a new mini flip camcorder for my gift so I had to try it out. I had the settings wrong though so some are a little blurry.

This was the weather on Christmas morning.....with the wind whipping through as a little bonus.

We Bought a Zoo was super cute, the whole family loved it.

It was a great holiday and New Years was fun too.  We went on a nice walk, made yummy food, and Grace and I lasted till midnight and woke Justin with about 10 seconds to go. :)  Exciting times in the Ellersick house.  But we are rested and ready for another great year! Happy 2012!!!