Santa Claus came to town...and UNLOADED!

This is a big year for Emerson and Christmas. He's starting to get the concept. Jesus. Santa. Elves. Gifts. There are so many things to understand, that I feel like this year is really setting the stage for next year. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at our house, which we've done since we moved here 5 years ago. We're still establishing a lot of our traditions, which is really fun! We have all the traditionals, but a few unique traditions mixed in!

We had a really lovely Christmas, surrounded by family.

After Em placed his new ornament on the tree, and found the Christmas pickle, he and Jason placed the star on the tree as we read the blessing.

New jammies are a must on Christmas Eve. For children AND adults! I think Emerson looks like he should be sleeping in "Whoville" in these.

Enjoying poppycorn and a movie - The Polar Express. Emerson loved it! Who wouldn't?...It's a great flick.

We were even so lucky to get some snowflakes!

Emerson set out cookies for Santa. One of each treat. A nice sampler for the fat guy.

Oopies. Sorry, Santa. We observe the 3-second rule in this house.

One of a million pictures like this.

Using his new snow shovel to clean up the styrofoam.

Now...batteries and assembly. Glad to have an extra set of hands from Uncle Jared for this.

Whew. What a day! And it's only Noon! We still have to go to Mia and Poppy's after a nap!