The girls put out cookies for Santa. Ella wanted to take a drink of his milk just to "make sure it was nice and cold." 
We were lucky enough to be able to get the kids everything they asked for from Santa. Eventhough the reason for the season is not to get presents and material things, we love giving the kids presents. Among other things, Ella got her coveted Lalaloopsy dolls and the Littlest Pet Shop toys she asked for; Grace got her Nintendo DS and the Littlest Pet Shop toys; and Colt got a basketball hoop and a bunch of cars and trucks.
Colt aslso got a Carhart coat just like Daddy's this year from Grandma Ruthie. They look like twins in their coats and Yankees hats : )
Every year before we go to Mass, we make the girls take their picture in front of the Christmas tree. They had really cute matching jackets and skirts to wear this year. I, unfortunately, didn't get to go this year because Colt was being very grouchy and uncooperative, so he and I stayed home while Chris took the girls.
This is a closer look at Miss Muffet.
Colt's first time helping with cookies. I'm not sure if he stirred more than he ate : )
These are my mom's famous cut out cookies. If you've ever had them, you know how delicious they are! I finally got them right after 11 years! They would usually come out really thin and really dry, but this year they cam out perfect! I'm so excited! I just wish the peanut butter blossoms came out as good.
These are all the cookies we made today. Santa better bring his appetite! The peanut butter blossoms came out way too dry and thin. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but they definitely are not like my mom's! I'll have to ask her what secret she has : )
Colt spent all evening trying to eat the cookies. He especially liked the blossoms. He'd eat the chocoloate middle then throw the rest to the dogs. This went on for a good 10 minutes before I caught him. He's definitely the little trouble maker!
Last Monday, Grace had her Christmas program at school. It was nice that the school put on a show that was just for the first graders and their guests. The place was packed and I can't imagine what it would look like if all grades were there! Grace is the angel in the middle. The other two cuties are friends from her class. She practiced so much, even Ella knows the songs : ) This was out first program and, of course, got every second on tape - she didn't have a program last year. It was refreshing to see a program filled with songs that reflect the reason for the season - Grace goes to Catholic school, so all the songs except one were Christ-oriented and there was also a Nativity skit. It was beautiful!
