Saying 'Good bye' - Day 24

Kyler always wakes up first... McKenna woke to find Kyler standing over her with crocodile tears running down his face. "Cocoa's leaving," he said. I expected tears from Carson... but didn't expect that even I would feel a tiny heartbreak this morning. Cocoa's brought so much magic this month--that's it's just sad to see it end. The kids loved that Santa suspended Cocoa's magic long enough for them to touch Cocoa for the first time to say 'Good-bye.' (However, Ashton still refused to touch him!) Thank you, Cocoa, for the surprises, the mischief, the laughs, the love. We'll miss you and look forward to seeing you next year... all a little taller, a little wiser, (and hopefully some a little thinner... Ahem). It's been a Christmas we'll never forget.

 Merry Christmas Cocoa!

We love you!

More Santa Sightings - Day 23

He's making a list

He's checking it twice

Gonna' find out who's naughty and nice!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Kyler and Carson inspecting the "Naughty & Nice" list they found in "Santa's" bag. Which list do you think you made?

Grinch-ish - Day 22

You're a mean one, Mister Grinch!

You really are a heel.

You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel, Mister Grinch!

You're a bad banana with a...  greasy black peel!

 Oh, how can Cocoa be so good one day and so naughty the next? What I wouldn't have given to have a video of Kenna and Ky waking up to this one! From Ky's account, they both jumped pretty high! Since I was up very late with a sick little Ashton, I was lucky enough to catch a few pre-morning photos. I was even lucky enough to catch this little gem... You're welcome.

Looks like Cocoa and I are both in the dog house today. But no one can stay mad long when Christmas is just a matter of hours away, right? I think the Grinch truly did say it best: "You listen to me Young lady. Even if we're horribly mangled, they'll be no sad faces on Christmas!"

Laughter Is the Best Medicine - Day 21

 Dashing through the snow

In a one horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go

LAUGHING all the way!!

(Ha ha ha!)

With all this "end of the world" talk, I think Cocoa knew we needed a good LAUGH! It is the last day of school before Winter Break after all... also known as one of the happiest days of the year!

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year... let's smile!

It's Going Around - Day 20

The Stevens kids are dropping like flies. I guess it only makes sense that Cocoa would catch our bug too.... Or else Cocoa just loves Peppermint oil! Hmmmm... 

Get better everybody!! Christmas is just 5 days away!

Reindeer Flight School - Day 19

Run run Rudolph,

Reeling like a merry-go-round...

Just Zip Lining... - Day 18

Zippin' around the Chrismas Tree

At the Christmas party hop...

(Crossing our fingers that Ashton doesn't remove the carefully constructed barricade and turn on the fan... and rip the kitchen chandelier off the ceiling. That would be an awkward one to explain to the Landlord. "Well, our Elf was zip lining across the family room, and then..."

Even Elves Get Homesick - Day 17

 Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays.

'Cuz no matter how far away you roam

If you wanna be happy in a million ways,

For the holidays you can't beat home sweet home!

Merry Christmas, Darling - Day 16

I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents 

Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own 

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

Baby, all I want for Christmas

Is YOU!!!

(Cocoa brought straws for us too!)

Eggnog Overload - Day 15

It's a marshmallow world in the winter

When the snow comes to cover the ground.

All the neighbor gifts, and the peppermint

I see that I am getting really ROUND!

(Cocoa must think he's going to the Luke Christmas party tomorrow! Wants to look his best!)

Nice - Day 14

 Cocoa surprised the kids with Christmas shirts today!

They were ecstatic!

 McKenna loved her "NERDY or NICE" shirt!

 It was her idea to wear nerd glasses with it... 

I love that my kids are not "too cool" to be FUN!

Ky is going to look extra awesome on this awesome day... As of this morning, Kyler has the most math objectives of all 4th grade students... an honor he has been working HARD on all month to achieve. He averages five math scans a night. So proud of that kiddo! He has some serious drive!

 Upon opening his surprise, Carson said, "Aw... If only he would have brought me red pants and black boots to go with it! Hey, I need to get fatter! Mom, get me some cookies and cocoa--STAT!" (Carson's personality is so delightful!)

When I dropped the kids off at school this morning, Carson was so excited to leap out and show off his awesome new shirt to his friends, that he left his backpack in the van. SO... Ashton and I ended up coming back a few hours later to bring Carson his lunch. Ashton loved having lunch with the big kids and being the center of attention! Thank you, Cocoa, for making Friday extra fun! 

Naughty - Day 13

Oh, I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas!

Mommy and Daddy are mad!

I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas!

'Cuz I ain't been nothin' but BAD!

Think Snow - Day 12

Here comes Suzy Snowflake

Dressed in a snow white gown

Tap, tap, tappin' on your window pane

To tell you she's in town!!

(Here's for hoping we see some white stuff today!)

We FISH You A Merry Christmas - Day 11

We FISH you a Merry Christmas!

We FISH you a Merry Christmas!

We FISH you a Merry Christmas 

And a happy new year!

(If you're wondering why my children look like they're in pain in all of these pictures, it's because they've been out of bed for mere minutes when they're asked to say, "Cheese!!" And yes, the light on those sleepy eyes is painful... thus the miserable smiles each day. They really are happy!)

Do You See What I See?

Ta-Dah!!!!

A Sweet Mystery - Day 9

Come, he told me... 

pah rum pum pum pum

And plant these magic seeds... 

pah rum pum pum pum

We'll wait until they grow...

pah rum pum pum pum

How long we do not know...

Pah rum pum pum pum

 rum pum pum pum

rum pum pum pum!!