Santa Baby

We headed up north last weekend for grandma and grandpa Bowen's annual "Santa Party." Always the highlight of the Christmas season! This year did not disappoint. We started the afternoon off with my mom's amazing quiche, sourdough pancakes and hot chocolate bar. Followed by the traditional Christmas crackers. My mom read the kids Jolly Old Santa Clause. THE. BEST. CHRISTMAS. BOOK. EVER. It is from my mom's childhood and is no longer in print (don't be fooled by the modernized version). The pictures are the most amazing paintings. It is how I define how Christmas should be. I found me a copy on eBay a few years back and consider it my best Christmas decoration. After the story our old friend Santa payed us a visit passing out gifts and Christmas cheer. The kids were adorable. We ended the afternoon making gingerbread houses (foam ones from Oriental Trading). Take it from me...these were the way to go! My parents gave us our annual gift of cash in another amazingly creative way, but I am sworn to secrecy until my brother Nate opens his in Alaska. Oh how we MISSED our Alaska family. Move home!!! It was fun and amazing, take my word for it. It was such a lovely day, it was totally worth the trip up. Thank you mom and dad for such a wonderful day!

Coops and Santa

Court and Santa

Jack and Santa

Bo and Santa

Gwennie and Santa(She was not one bit afraid!)

This is where you will ALWAYS find Jane and Gwen. Grandpa is THE favorite. If he picks one up, the other cries, if he puts one of them down, they cry. They adore their papa.

Grandma reading the kids Jolly Old Santa Clause. They were spellbound.

The Christmas cracker loot! The gold crowns are always found in every cracker....added bonus.

The grandkids and their gingerbread houses.

Cooper was very proud of his creation!

Grandpa telling Santa all he wants for Christmas is to retire...oh wait that already happened. :)

Thanks to the most wonderful parents a girl could ask for. You are my strength and my pillars. I am dumbfounded at my luck in the parent department. Love you!