Let the Festivites Begin

 We officially kicked off Christmas season 2011 on Sunday night with Zoo Lights.  This is becoming a Wank family tradition.  Sam stayed nice and warm at Grandma Jeri's house.  The Ross Fam also had to sit this trip out and it wasn't the same without them.  We pressed on and still managed to have a great time.  Randy lead the way!

 Hank anxiously awaited his first encounter with Santa.  He won't admit it but he was a little nervous.  He put on a brave face so Jack wouldn't be scared.

 Mrs. Claus was showing a little leg this year.  I think Santa ditched the old Mrs. Claus and upgraded for a younger model.  Max wasn't feeling it.

 Max muttered that he wanted a cape.  Hank said he wanted Madden 12.  I said I wanted my face back.

 The carousel was next, Max insisted on riding the turtle and reluctantly posed for a picture.

 Hank chose the bald eagle and I jumped on the dolphin.

I usually just stand next to the kids but it's a whole new experience actually riding..dizzy much?  Max told Randy "Mom got really busy on the ride".  Sounds a little dirty!

 Jack and Hank admired a creature in the stinky reptile house.  The smell proved too much for Max's sensitive nose.  He munched on cheetos with Randy instead.

 Grandpa did his fair share of carting the kids around.

 

Hank was feeling weary and grandpa gladly offered his back.

Max and Jack refused to be photographed.

I had to do some serious trickery to get Max's face in a picture...cheeto encrusted and all.

Randy rocks a mean head gator.

A light stick always makes this kid happy.  I think Jack was a little scared for his life when Max wanted to battle.

The face of pure bliss!  Jack loves him some one on one time with Hank.

I can't believe a year has past since our last zoo lights experience.  I was palsy free, not even pregnant yet, and Hank had a pancreas that produced insulin.  Man the difference a year makes.  

The next tradition we completed was our gingerbread house.  I gave up full control to these three boys.  

Hank's buddy Travis was playing before Taekwondo and added his creative input.

The finished product...what a thing of beauty!

Stay tuned for Max's preschool Christmas program recap.  I'm sure it will be entertaining!