Christmas time 2012

The Month of December sure flew by fast for us!  We kept busy decorating the apartment for Christmas,  the boys had a preschool Christmas program, we cheered Pat on at hockey and curling, and then finally heading to Grand Forks for a full week of vacation with family.  The boys really got into the holiday excitement this year and it was a lot of fun for all of us!  The newest member of the family in December was Elmer the Elf ( our elf on the shelf).  The boys LOVED to get up in the morning and find out where he was watching the day from :)  Elmer may need a little more help next year, so I wouldn't be surprised to see two elves show up on December 1, 2013!

 Jacob and Nathan worked hard building and then decorating the tree.

 We made our own gingerbread houses with graham crackers, frosting and candy.  Look at that concentration!

 Nathan made a flat top house, and Jacob went for the pointed roof.

 We even got to see Santa and Mrs. Clause one more time when we got to GF.

Christmas eve was a little different this year because Nathan got sick :(  Nathan and mom ate at the couch, while Dad and Jacob enjoyed fondue in the dinning room.  We may have to have a re-do of that evening.

Jacob made sure to leave Santa some cookies and carrots for the reindeer.

Then onto the presents!! kick off at the Samson house on Christmas eve night....

 a little more from Santa on Christmas morning....

 then onto the Reid's for even more!  

 A full stocking! nuts, candy and little toys!

SMILE!!!!

It's raining paper!

Choooooo-choooooo!!!!!

Santa brought Nathan the crane he wanted! good thing he finally told Santa 2 days before Christmas... 

We went to Christmas at the zoo in Minot.  Saw Santa, checked out the new zoo building, and got our zoo pass for this coming year :)  We are optimistic the animals will get to start moving home this year

Nathan was happy the gorilla was there!  

Christmas with Great Grandpa

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Meet Elmer! he's always doing something mischievous. 

Patrick and Mary got out for a date night!

 And finally the boys preschool Christmas concert!  They were very excited to sing classroom songs and holiday songs followed by a snack party where we got to meet all of the friends :)