William and Caroline watching "The Grinch" on December 1st
Our December was filled with all kinds of excitment! We did lots of activities to celebrate Christmas, and we welcomed a new baby into our family. We feel very blessed this holiday season. We started December with lots of fun Christmas shows. The kids watched a special Christmas show almost every night this month. Our favorite is "The Grinch." Both kids seemed to love it. Our next big show was Caroline's Christmas program at school on December 3rd. She and her classmates sang "Rudolph the Red Nose Renideer," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." Afterward, there was a suprise visit from Santa! Caroline spent lots of time in Santa's lap telling him that she wanted a GoGo Walking Dog for Christmas.
On December 13th we loaded up with Max, B, Todd, Mimi, Papa, and Jase for a limo Christmas lights tour around the city. The kids had a fantastic time seeing all the beautiful lights around the city.
Our sweet William was baptised at our church on December 11th. This was such a special day for all of us. Nana, Grandpa, Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Heather, Nick, T, Kyle, Mimi, Papa, Jase, B, Todd, Max and our sweet neighbors Laure, Dan, Hailey, Carley and Jack were all at the church for the baptism. Our very special guests that came for the special day were Grandma Sexton and Aunt Lori. They came from afar to celebrate with sweet William. The children's choir also performed that morning. Caroline and Max sang "Away In A Manger" as well as some other Christmas songs. Caroline put on a small one woman performance! She decided to add in some arm movements and twirls to make the show a little more interesting. James and I were a little embarrased at the time, but no one was hurt or upset. Now we have the fun memory of Caroline stealing the show with her dance moves. After the baptism, we had a small luncheon at our house. All of our family came as well as the Poos and Kahn families. It was a wonderful day! We are beyond blessed to have William in our lives. I thank the Lord every day for entrusting us with him. He is so precious.
Our first official Christmas celebration of the season was in Enid with the Sextons. We went up for the day to have Christmas lunch, open presents, and enjoy family. Caroline had a wonderful time opening all of her amazing gifts and playing with all of her family. It was a great way to kick off the holidays!
Christmas came early for Anne Braden, Todd and Max when Anna Catherine Bladel arrived at 1:02 am on December 22nd. She weighed in at 6 lbs and 12 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. She is beyond precious. We are so greatful for a safe and "easy" delivery. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the healthy babies in our family. We are truly blessed to have four sweet and healthy children this holiday season. We are also excited about the blessing that will come in 2012. Kristen and Kyle are expecting a baby! Caroline will have another cousin to grow up with. This season has been filled with amazing gifts.
Christmas Eve was spent with the Moon side of the family at my sisters house. We had food, my mom's famous jam cake, and my grandmother's (Nana's) famous egg nog that I made. We followed our normal tradition of opening one gift, reading "The Night Before Christmas," and listening for Santa's sleigh bells (we heard them again this year). After we went home Caroline and I wrote a note to Santa, put out milk and cookies, and watched the "Grinch." The next morning Mimi, Papa, and Jase came over to watch William and Caroline open Santa gifts. We had a wonderful Christmas morning with family, gifts, and a big breakfast. After Mimi, Papa and Jase left we opened our family gifts. Christmas evening was spent with the family at our house. We had a wonderful Christmas dinner of ham, turkey, dressing, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs, cranberry salad, corn, etc. After dinner we opened all of our gifts and visited with family. Even though we were not in Tenessee this Christmas, we had a wonderful time and followed our special family traditions. It was a special Christmas for my family. It was our first Christmas in Oklahoma, William's first Christmas, Anna's first Christmas, and the first Christmas that Caroline and Max really "got it." What a magical time of year with magical memories made.
Caroline before her Christmas program at school
William and Papa at Caroline's school show
Max and Caroline after their performance
Caroline visiting with Santa
William in his christening gown
Caroline on the day of William's baptism and her church choir performance
Caroline was so excited to see all of her family at church
Dr. Scraper with our family after William's baptism
Max and Caroline in the limo for the Christmas lights tour
All the Sexton men at the Sexton family Christmas celebration
Loving her Princess jewelry box from Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Heather and Nick
William's first Christmas present ever!
