I guess the kids were good........

Santa found our home!

Of course Madison was the first one to wake up.  But she didn't really realize what was going on.  She came to Mark's side of the bed as usual and asked him to get her chocolate milk, a granola bar, and to turn on some cartoons!  I woke up as well and we all headed down stairs to see what had arrived.  Madison went right to the couch and did not say a word!  Mark and I looked t each other and shook our heads.  It took about 10 minutes for her to figure out what was going on.  We then all waited for Grant to wake up before opening the presents.  And an hour later we got started!!  The one and only day he decides to sleep in!

Madison's hard work on her cookies must have paid off, looks like Santa loved them!  He sure was hungry!

Awe Grantie!

And the fun begins!

Madison didn't waste any time.

Grant is really enthused!

Maddie got a princess guitar.

Daddy thought he had to jam out too!

Grant received tools to help Daddy with all the remodeling!

The jewelry box was a hit.

As well as the alphabet train.

Stocking time!

One happy girl at the end of the morning!!

The Keller family had another great Christmas!

Tis was the night before Christmas........

Well, in the Keller house hold anyway!  Santa came to our home the Friday morning before Christmas prier to heading back to Newton.  Madison is still at the age she doesn't quite understand Christmas Eve yet.  I think next year might be a different story though.  Mark and Madison started the night off with baking cookies for Santa.

Madison was such a good helper!

And Grant was my helper!!

Little stinker!

Rolling the dough.

Cookie cutters in......

the anticipation of watching them bake......

and starting all over again.  The dough just never seemed to end!

Finally we get to decorate and eat a few!

The sprinkles are the best part for Madison.

Final product from Miss Madison!

And all the ones left for Mommy to finish, along with the mess.  But all well worth it!!

Christmas jammie time!!

And the stocking were hung with care.  I finally have a mantel to hang my stockings on this year!!  Mark told me last year we would have a mantel for next year, and we did!! He really has no idea how happy this makes me!!!

Food for the reindeer.  Madison mixed oatmeal and glitter so the reindeer wouldn't miss our house! 

So excited to throw it out in the grass!

Last we got our plate ready for Santa with cookies and milk, and of course carrots and celery for the reindeer.

We were super ready for Santa to come!!!  

Thanks Maddie for all the great memories this Christmas!!  Just today I heard her still singing, "Christmas day is the most wonderful day of the year!!!!!"  I think I might have brain washed her, or listened to too much Christmas music!

M and G's visit with Santa!

Madison and Grant went to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus this year at the Glen Carbon Library.  I would have to say it was the easiest most laid back experience with the kids.  They had crafts for Madison and snacks for the kiddos as well.  Poor Grant really wasn't enjoying Santa to well.  He wasn't feeling that great and ended up having an ear infection when we took him to the doctor the following Monday.  Poor boy!!  But Mommy still had to drag him out to see Santa for the first time!!

Probably the best picture of Grant all day!

Just not happy.

Now Madison on the other hand was all about Mrs. Claus.  Thank God for her because she was NOT sitting on Santa's lap!!

Madison telling her all the goodies she wanted for Christmas.  This year the top picks were doll clothes and the movie Princess and the Frog.

Madison's ornament she made at the library.

Grant with the Therapy dogs they had there for the kids.  Grant was enjoying this part!

And the ice cream treat was the best part of the day for Grant!

Madison making and enjoying her cookie she got to decorate.

She also made her cute little bracelet she has on.  That cookie must have been really good!

We ended the day with going to see some live reindeer.

What a great day with the family!!  And thanks to my Mom for coming out with us!!