Carpenter Christmas x 2

On Friday we had Christmas with Wade's parents, sister, brother-in-law, and our nieces. It was loads of fun - complete with lots of presents and all of the annual Carpenter traditions. We played Shoot the Snowman, which Clayton was awesome at! He shot the snowman that was worth 50 points and won our family tickets to the movies and candy. Go Clayton - way to represent! We also did our annual Christmas pie. We started that tradition in 2002 or 2003 (I think). We all wrap presents worth $1 each and tie a string to each one. We take turns pulling a string and opening a present. It's just fun to see what everyone finds for just a dollar (plus we all get to open 4 or 5 more gifts). Good times!

This year Clayton got quite an interesting present from Corey, Leigh Ann, Makinley, and Morgan. It all started at Thanksgiving. Leigh Ann asked Clayton what he wanted for her to get him for Christmas. He didn't have any requests, so she started naming off random things. One of her suggestions was a lizard. Yes, you heard me right, a lizard! He, of course, thought that was a swell idea. Leigh Ann laughed and said, "only if your mom says it is okay." He asked me repeatedly and I repeatedly said, "No, you may not have a lizard." My thoughts were racing about all of the negatives - feeding it crickets (yuck!), cleaning its cage (double yuck!), salmonella, what if it gets loose?, what do we do with it when we go out of town?, EW! Well, apparently, a begging 3 year-old trumps a disapproving mom!

I'm still not sold on Yoda (yep, that's what Clayton chose to name the little critter). I still think that it is gross and just try to forget that I am now living with a reptile. (Who would have ever imagined that?!?!?) I refuse to feed it, buy crickets, or clean the cage. Daddy (who said, "I don't care, whatever" when he was asked about the lizard purchase) will be assuming all of those responsibilities. Clayton thinks the lizard is great fun and LOVES watching him catch and eat the crickets. He is ALL boy!

What's a mama to do...

Here's a picture of Shoot the Snowman from last year - just to give you a visual. :)

Christmas Pie

Cousin Pic

Clayton right after he got Yoda

Yes, he is kissing at the cage! GROSS!!!

Here's a close up of the little critter. Did I mention that he is supposed to grow to be a foot long? When that slimy thing gets loose in my house, I will be one mad Mama!

Drew loved the goodies in his stocking.

Thanks, Grammie & Papaw, for all of the fun activities and the gobs of toys!!!

On Saturday, we went to Wade's grandparents house for Christmas with the Carpenter side of the family. Once again, it was tons 'o fun! Wade's aunt and uncle moved to China this summer and we sure have missed them! They were home for Christmas, though, so it was great to see them. All of the cousins were there, too. It made for one crazy, loud group! The boys got more toys and lots of cute clothes. Thanks Grandmom & Granddaddy!

Four Generations of Carpenter Men

Wade & Doug modeling their new sweatshirts. (Incidentally, Doug is the funniest person that I have ever met. He keeps us all laughing nonstop!)




That concludes our Christmas celebrations! It was a blast!!! Thanks to everyone who showered our boys with love and way too many gifts! We love each and every one of you and appreciate you making our Christmas one to remember. Just think, only 362 days until we get to do it all over again!