Christmas 2010

We had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at our house and we were fortunate to be able to celebrate with family (though we really missed Uncle Randy, Aunt Kay and Matt and Jason). It was a relaxed laid back holiday and the boys got more toys then they know what to do with, as seen below!

Uncle Evan spent the night with us on Christmas Eve and he and boys awoke to hear sleigh bells and Santa's "ho, ho, ho" as he was leaving. Evan got the boys an art easel and it has made for fun on a cold, snowy day.

Gebee got here in time for a little breakfast and they boy are telling her about the note that Santa left them.

Papa and Ms. Sharon looking on as the boys unwrap lots and lots of presents.

Uncle Evan handing out gifts -- hey, he looks a bit like Santa in his red sweater.

The boys got big wheels, batman capes, puzzles, games, and tools, among many other things. When I asked the boy what toys they liked best, Ethan told me he loves his green drill and hammer. Benjamin told me he loves his batman motorcycle and cape. Brian and I loved spending a relaxing time with the family. And, we will see Uncle Randy and Aunt Kay in a few days -- weather permitting!

It's Snow Much Fun at Home with Mommy and Daddy

For the first time since 1882, we had snow on Christmas Day. The boys loved watching it fall and when they woke up this morning, they cared none about the toys from Santa (don't worry, that post is still coming), they just wanted to get outside.

Our resident snow man -- he would have been bigger is Ethan had not kept "crashing him down."

At 3pm, the grass is still covered in snow -- maybe we should go back out after nap!

Dinner "Down The Town"

Saturday the boys, Brian, Papaw and I piled in the blue van and took a trip "down the town" (when Benjamin was younger, he would tell me he wanted to go see Uncle Evan "down the town" -- downtown) to have dinner with Evan. It was great to see Evan's tree and spend sometime with him. Evan also had a gingerbread house for the boys to decorate. Nate and Papaw helped with the decorating!

The final product -- it now sits on our kitchen table.

The boys loved looking at the ornaments on Evan's tree.

A rare site -- all of us in a picture at the same time. Thanks Nate for taking the picture!

And, Evan, thank you for inviting the unruly bunch of us -- I am sure that you are still finding gumdrops under your couch! We loved coming for dinner!

Breakfast with Jolly Old St Nick

The elves at our house have been busy "making" toys (aka ordering them online) and preparing for the holidays. The elves want to apologize for neglecting the blog.

A few weeks ago, we ate breakfast with Santa. The boys were so excited by this concept, as they would not have to sit on his lap --- just talk with Santa. (We have never had luck getting the boys to sit on Santa's lap.) As we sat and colored and ate, we talked about what the boys wanted to tell Santa. The boys also brought a few pictures they had colored to give to Santa.

The boys are talking about what they want Santa to bring them (Benjamin: "Batman wrapping paper" -- aka anything wrapped in Batman paper. Ethan: "Chocolate Toys, pancakes and cupcakes" -- aka anything that you can eat and is sweet.)

We hope that you have already talked with or sent a letter to Santa -- I heard that the elves are working over-time these days!

Hot Chocolate

We had big plans one night last week to introduce the boys to hot chocolate. We let them drink in the family room (yeah, I know we have lost our minds) and we read "Twas The Night Before Christmas." The boys loved drinking in the family room much more then they loved the hot chocolate. Benjamin was fascinated by the story. They have asked to eat/drink in the family room again, but I have heard no mention of hot chocolate!

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With a current temp. outside of about 22 an a wind chill of about 15, now seems like a great time for some more hot chocolate! Stay warm!