The Raphael Family: Christmas 2012

This year Christmas was so fun!! It was such a joy watching Karter's eyes light up Christmas morning. We started off by having Christmas Eve dinner at our house, and opening Christmas jammies, then going to Christmas Eve service at New life. It was a fun time for all, and it was nice to spend the evening together.

Cousins in their coordinating Christmas jammies

Family picture at the New Life Christmas Eve service

Cousins all dressed up for Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve after putting Karter to bed, Santa and Mrs. Claus worked very hard making sure that cookies were out for Santa, carrots were out for the reindeer, and that Santa footprints made their way onto the kitchen floor. Santa did a great job putting together Karter's kitchen set, then it was time to relax and watch a Christmas Story.

Christmas morning was so fun! I put our breakfast casserole in the oven, and the frenzy of opening gifts began. This year it was so fun watching Karter's eyes light up, and reminded me of the simple joys of childhood. It warmed my heart! After we opened our gifts my mom, sister, and niece came over to open gifts. Here are some pictures of Christmas morning.

Sooo excited about his very own kitchen!

Happy boy on Christmas morning

Daddy helps Karter on his new bouncing turtle toy

Mommy plays trains with Karter

Karter laughs as daddy reads a funny card from GiGi

Karter thinks that is is fun to stand on the presents!! He's such a big boy now!!

More turtle fun!!

Time to build on his tool bench with daddy

Chrismas Morning 2012

Karter gives love to his new teddy bear

Cheesin' it up at my moms Christmas night!!

On the 29th we went to Jasen's dads and stepmoms to celebrate Christmas there. It was a fun night eating pizza, telling jokes, and opening gifts. We also escaped the family tradition "chicken pot" this year, but Allen has to proudly display it for the next year!! :)