And more Christmas Cheer!

I ran into the grocery store to get some mandarin oranges and heard Santa ho-ho-ing and bagpipes playing. I ran home, got the kids, and hurried back for the Christmas festivities at Shnucks. The kiddos got to pet farm animals, ride ponies, talk to (or hide from) Santa Claus, and make Christmas crafts. It was so festive and fun!

Trevor bumped into his good buddy Kyle at Shnucks

I was so surprised that Trevor sat on Santa's lap after all these years. 

This photo is a rarity for me. 

(Everyone else was hurrying away as fast as possible)

Trace's interesting new look

We went to historic St. Charles on a cold Christmas Eve. It was decked out with Christmas decorations and lots of interesting characters, including Jack Frost, the Sugarplum Fairy, and various Santas from other countries. The kids went around collecting their photo cards. I loved hearing the old English carolers strolling and singing down the cobblestone streets. This could be one of our new Missouri traditions! 

At a local pet bakery

"Here, hold my goat."

"Now, look over there."

"What will your prom date say when your mom shows her a picture of you holding this goat?!"

Horse-drawn carriages, of course

I love this picture! I was a little mad when I noticed that Alec hid behind Santa when I snapped it. What a stinker. Anna isn't having the best time, but even that is kind of cute. (to me!) Once again, Trevor comes through for me and sits on Santa's lap.

Christmas Eve "Roast Beast" dinner with the Farmers and the Checketts
It may look as though the children weren't invited. Actually they ate their dinner in 2.4  minutes and raced downstairs to play. We don't try to stop them.

Santa thought Trevor was very good this year.

Opening a surprise present from Uncle Dave

What could it be?

"NO WAY! It's a Wii U!!"
Look at their disbelief. Uncle Dave's present definitely steals the show.

This is a very cool present that the Farmers got. It goes up and down and spins. Awesome.

Our very own bell choir
(and April struggling to maintain control of it)

Sweet Trevor

Adam's emergency supply of snowballs

He believes one should be prepared.