happy birthday jesus!

The four of us had a sweet Christmas morning together celebrating Jesus' birthday and opening gifts!

 there were Legos in their stockings...

 some Pete the Cat books...

 a flat-billed KU hat...

 Sporting KC jerseys with their names on the backs...

 a Manchester United jersey...

and some KU gear! 

christmas eve

On Christmas Eve, we made a birthday cake for Jesus (with three layers -- red, green, and chocolate... yum!) in the morning.

 Jerry had to work that day, so Mom and I and the boys all went and got sushi for lunch! Then, we headed over for a matinee showing of the movie "Annie." We all thought it was cute!

 Later that evening, we went to church with Nana, Gramps, and AL. 

 And then made a stop at QuikTrip for coffee and snacks, and drove around looking at Christmas lights. :)

Grayson and Carter set out chocolate covered pretzels and diet Pepsi for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer! Happy Christmas Eve!!

class christmas parties

Grayson's class made gingerbread houses during their Christmas party. All of the 4th graders (and Carter!) did a great job decorating!

 no surprise -- Grayson made a KU-themed house ;)

 it was lots of fun hanging out in G's class for the afternoon!

 Carter's party was Friday morning and I was working, so Nana joined him! She said they had a great time, too! 

Yay for school being out for 2 whole weeks! :)

glass blown ornaments

It's an annual tradition for the boys to go with Nana to Karg Glass and make their own glass blown ornaments. They are so excited to go each year!

 waiting to make their ornaments...

 getting ready! :)

 Grayson blowing his ornament

 they made them sooooo big this year ;)

Carter hard at work, too!

They always look so beautiful on the tree! Thanks, Nana!

carriage rides

One of our favorite Christmas traditions as a family is to go on a carriage ride at Bradley Fair. Last Friday night was unseasonably mild, so we decided to head out!

 waiting in line by the huge Christmas tree

 on the carriage!

Merry Christmas!

thanksgiving pics

Here are some snapshots of our Thanksgiving weekend with the extended Buchanan fam...

 Grayson and Uncle Brentley hard at work for Holly-Frontier

 the cuzzies

 Dad had obviously had a long day...

 matching Christmas PJs from Nana

 siblings and spouses dinner

 watching "Home Alone" together

the whole fam!

the zoo with olive and isla

The day before Thanksgiving the four cousins headed to the zoo! But first, we all enjoyed a yummy lunch at Chick-fil-a!

 at the elephant training

 the tigers got really close! ;)

see the peacock?!? :)