Christmas 2011

On Christmas Eve, we headed over to my parents for our annual family gathering.  We ate, drank and had a great time together.  I love that we are close enough and are able to have Christmases (and all other holidays for that matter) together!  Here are a few pictures of that night. 

Mom thought she was funny.  Austin opened up a Yankees Ball/Bat set and my dad opened up a Rangers ball/bat set.  Needless to say, they QUICKLY switched.  Austin was happy with the switch too saying, "Boo Yankees!"

Carolyn & Trista! 

This photo cracks me up!  Not sure what they were doing but it was hilarious.  Trista, I think, thinks all boys are silly! 

COUSINS!!

Trevor (2), Austin (3.5), Trista (3.5 - although four days shy of turning 4!) 

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!! 

After we drove back home, Austin set out some goodies for Santa Claus and his reindeer! 

Homeade cookies

Carrots! 

Milk 

So proud of himself!  I'm sure Santa and his 8 reindeer were VERY thankful!! 

Scott reading Austin The Night Before Christmas 

XOXOXO 

CHRISTMAS MORNING! V-e-r-y early morning -- SANTA CLAUS came!!

The goodies he left behind for Austin

Yup, he was VERY appreciative of the cookies, milk and carrots for his Reindeer! 

Austin walking in. . . still groggy from sleep.  Slightly confused. . . 

Went Straight to the Baseball guys!  Santa did a great job!! 

Austin was very excited Santa brought him chocolate and twizzlers! 

A REAL baseball glove for when he starts T-Ball this spring. He is already pretty good at catching the ball - now with this he's able to grab it better 

Green Lantern! 

His Christmas Morning Loot! 

Overall, I'd say it was a very merry Christmas! 

Elfie's Adventure: Day 30!

This is Elfie's last night flying to the North Pole alone. . .  Yes, he flys back with all his elf friends every night, but tomorrow night he'll get to ride alongside the Big Man himself, Santa Claus!!

Look at what Elfie did on his last night here with us.

Caught hanging from the mirror with his marker!

Uh Oh!  Elfie wanted Austin to look just like Rudolf!

  We sure are going to miss him.  It has been fun to anticipate where Elfie will be next and watching Austin talk to, and about, Elfie is magical!  Merry Christmas, Elfie!  We hope you have a great year and we will see you again next year.

Elfie: Day 29

Thank goodness Elfie is an elf of many talents!  Fixing Austin (& daddy's) motorcycle!

Elfie: Day 28

Another playdate? Not sure if they are about to race or what?!  My bet is on Elfie!

Elfie: Day 27 To Ammie's house we GO!

Austin is spending the night at Ammie's house tonight. Elfie just knew which house to go to after his trip back from the North Pole. Smart Elfie!

Apparently he also found out Austin & Ammie made muffins, so he helped himself to one. HeHe

Prairie Lights 2011

For another Christmas tradition, Scott, Carolyn, Austin and I headed out to Prairie Lights.  My parents already had plans so they didn't join us, but it was still fun.  We, as usual, had a great time!  It wasn't as cold as last year - or else we were more prepared and thus dressed better! 

We waited in traffic for close to ONE HOUR to get inside - it was crazy!  Unfortunately, Austin needed to pee while we were stuck in traffic waiting to get inside the park and there was nowhere to go, but fortunately Austin is a boy and we had an empty water bottle on hand. . . use your imagination!  LOL  It's times like these that I'm glad to have a son and not a daughter.  Scott told Austin he's a "true man" now  HaHa

Once inside, we moved around to get ourselves settled and enjoyed the sights (we all crammed in the front seat together)

Austin wanted to take a picture with Elfie's friend!

LOVE <3 

Bradshaw clan 

Love photos like this!  I love my men! 

Our #1 favorite light display!! 

Driving home

Merry Christmas, Y'all!! 

Elfie: Day 26

Uh oh!

Elfie: Day 25

Mischievous Lil Elfie! :)

Elfie Adventure: Day 24

What does an Elf do when traveling back from the North Pole? Grab a snack, of course!

Elfie: Day 23

Austin has been so excited about getting mail lately that everytime he checks the mail with us he eagerly looks for his name on the envelope. To those who have sent us Christmas cards, thanks for addressing it to Scott, Tanya & Austin Bradshaw HaHa

Anyways, he constantly asks, "Is this from Santa" hehe. So I guess Santa found out and sent a little gift for Austin. Wonder what is inside?!

Elfie Adventure: Day 22

Elfie tried to play basketball last night after his journey back from the North Pole. Uh oh, he got caught up in the basketball net! Someone should tell him the ball goes into the net, not a cute Lil Elf.

Elfie Adventure: Day 21

Storytime!

Elfie: Day 20

Wow! Elfie was being sneaky this morning. He was tough to spot!

Elfie Update: Day 19

Elfie's a fan of CARS, too!  Check him out sneaking in some playtime with the gang (plus "Josh Hamilton car" Aka #32!) after his trip from the North Pole.

Elfie's Adventure: Day 17

Elfie wanted to see if we could spot him. . . cleaver little Elf!  Hanging out on the curtains