the blackmons in chicago

Christmas Eve

We had a very busy Christmas Eve this year.  We started it out by going to the Christkindle Market for one last time before it closed and to visit the Santa there.  It was really the perfect day, snow falling, that buzz of Christmas spirit all through the air, bustling city streets, it was like being in a Christmas movie.  And Baker loved every second of the day too and really got into all of our little activities.  This was the first year to do anything like this because it's the first time he could really understand it and it was everything we thought it would be...magical!

With Santa's elf - looks a little creepy when squatting like this but was cute when he was standing. 

Baker's face when he saw Santa, even though he saw Santa a dozen times this year, was so precious.

The Santa was also a bit odd looking but the setting was really pretty.  They actually build a little Santa house in the middle of the market...so cute.

Once we were home and nap was over, we got busy on the festivities.  A lot had to be done in a few hours before Santa arrived.  So, Baker and I started with making Jesus' birthday cake.  What's fun about making a cake if you can't lick the spoon?

Then daddy helped him put the sprinkles on it.  Once that was done, we made chocolate chip cookies as well rolled and cut out some sugar cookies for Santa.

Then daddy helped him make his own personal pizza.  Of course, tasting is key again.  It was all about Baker in the kitchen on Christmas Eve!  Looking back, I'm not sure how we got it all done!

The finished product.

Ready and excited to eat Jesus' birthday cake!  But we have to sing Happy Birthday first.

Going in for the giant bite.

Earlier that afternoon, we thought it would be fun to let Baker do a little Christmas shopping for Brad and I.  So, as cheesy as it sounds, we stopped by Walgreens and let him pick out a $5 gift for each of us while the other stood outside in the pouring snow.  These pics were taken after I opened up the nail polish that he picked out for me...two of my favorites too (dark navy and a pale pink) which was really funny!  Great taste kiddo!

Baker got daddy a Crest spinbrush!

Baker opened up one present as well...we always did this in my family growing up.  He got a new game, his first board game actually, Candyland!

Of course we played it.

Looking so cute in his Christmas pjs!  Good thing I got a picture of him in them since he woke up Christmas morning with poop all over the back of them.  Yep, he still won't poop in the potty, only in his diaper at nap or bedtime.  I actually smeared it all over the pjs myself not knowing that there was poop at the very top of his diaper...when I pulled them off to put on his undies, it got all over them.  So bummed about that!

Saying goodnight to Ike, our Elf on the Shelf.  He had to fly back to the North Pole for the year.

Putting out Santa's cookies and milk and an apple for the reindeer.

Reading the true Christmas story before bedtime.

Our sweet angel sleeping so soundly with visions of sugar plums dancing in his head.

Santa was messy and left footprints all over our floor!