Waiting on Christmas

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my favorite time of year, and it's safe to say that the three little Nixes love it as much as I do.  We crammed a lot into the weeks leading up to Christmas and had a lot of fun in the process.  One night I told Brad that I think we are in the perfect season for Christmas: everyone is old enough to understand it and believe, but young enough to still be as excited as possible.

Making a gingerbread house on National Gingerbread House Day!

I have wanted to take Natalie to the Nutcracker since she was born, and this year was our first trip.  We went with friends Caroline and Ella Reynolds (Ella is in Natalie's class), and the girls loved it!  Natalie was mesmerized and even paid attention the entire time.  Such a special treat!

 

playing with their gift shop ornaments during intermission

My neighborhood girl's annual Christmas party

Baking treats for our neighbors in our matching Christmas aprons 

Cute boy in carpool

 

Last day of school before Christmas break: free/Christmas dress day.

One of Natalie's sweet friends (Molly Goolsby, sweet girl fourth row on the right with glasses) hosted a cookie swap.  It was such a fun morning with a wonderful group of moms/daughters.  It made me so thankful for SBS!

Luke's Christmas party

Watching Elf at the movie theater!

Each year we let the kids open their Christmas pajamas, and we go to River Oaks to look at the magnificent Christmas lights.  To my surprise, these funny kids cooperated for a picture. 

 

And then there was Santa.......

Berings is a Houston staple, and they have the BEST Santa. We talked it up to Luke, and even practiced his "Santa smile".  Well, true to form, as soon as it was his turn, Luke wouldn't have any of it.  It was all I could do to get him to stand in the picture--forget a smile.  As soon as we finished and were walking away, he started crying saying "I want to smile for Santa".  The line was too long, so next year!

Look at how much these babies have grown!

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2010

Sidenote: Natalie was the first to talk to Santa, and she must have told him 15 things that she wanted (toy bunny, shopkins, etc.---things we had never heard of).  James told Santa he wanted one thing: an ipad.  Luke?  Yeah, that didn't happen....