Getting Around To It

Finally! I keep looking at my blog, thinking about Christmas then getting pulled away by a sad child, a chore or a husband who wants on the big computer. It seems that today is finally the day I can get this done!

Christmas was wonderful. It always is even though each year I get nervous that it just won't be as nice as the year before. We opened family gifts on Christmas Eve since we had early morning plans on Christmas day. All the kids said that they got everything they wanted. They didn't, that is why the gift cards and cash from family came in handy, but they said they did.

Brooklyn asked for a pair of Sperry topsiders, I told her no way, too expensive...
Ayden did not ask for a Magna Doodle but since he's been coloring on everything Bobby figured he needed one - good call.
Oops, should've gotten one for Dillon too. He used some of his money for a little one for him.
"But this isn't what my brother has, I don't want it." I imagine that is what he was thinking...
Aunt Holly made sure to get Seth the book he asked for.
and the game Caleb asked for....
And the motorcycle Ayden likes...
Then she made these beautiful letters for Brooklyn's room.
And got a chew toy for the psuedopuppy of ours.
And because Bobby is, who he is, they all got games!
Papa and Grammy sent each child an afghan, made by Grammy and a book to snuggle up with. I forgot to get pictures of all those, they turned out so beautiful, but I will. Then Bobby and I got a surprise too!
A SNUGGIE!
Can you tell how thrilled Bobby is? He really loves it!!
And that was just Christmas Eve....

Christmas morning Ayden woke up quite early and he and I decided that we needed to wake the others up too! Come to find out the others were asleep because they were up at 3am, sneaking down to check out their gifts. This is the first year Ayden has been excited with anticipation for Christmas. When he woke up he knew Santa was supposed to have come and he couldn't wait to see if Santa brought him a truck, like he asked for. Dillon slept through most of the excitement, which was fine with us.
After going though stockings and eating beignets, we got in the car and headed to David and Kim's in West Virginia. It was a gorgeous drive. All the snow we'd had the week before was still on the ground. Everything looked beautiful under that soft white covering. Luckily too, the day was overcast so we didn't have to battle the sun reflecting off the snow. I wish I had brought a camera because there were many scenic moments. At David's the older kids played with one another, the two little ones explored and the adults were able to visit. Kim made a great dinner with turkey and ham! It was wonderful. We came back home exhausted but totally satisfied.

Christmas Part II - Christmas Day

I'm mostly just going to post pictures because they tell the story well. Santa visited and brought the kids all they asked for. After we raided the stockings we got ready to go to Bobby's parents. It was a gorgeous day, a nice drive and a great lunch. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Ayden eating some chocolate out of his stocking.
Bobby, half asleep, watching the kids go crazy with the stockings.
Grandma and Poppy gave Dillon a Santa suit for the occasion. Isn't he sweet?
Brooklyn with easy bake oven treats and Seth's new Star Wars book.
Brooklyn got a bike. She's growing so fast. I'm nervous about the independence that it means.
Caleb likes to play Battleship so he got an electronic one from Santa.
Seth has been asking for a guitar for so long! Watch out world, he's coming!
Ayden loves his new kitchen!

Brooklyn and Seth dig in to Grandma's treats with their two cousins.Caleb tries out the divinity.
The tree was gorgeous!

Poppy and Ayden are best buds. Ayden loves to play with him.
Brooklyn loves having another girl to play with.Bobby sitting back with Ayden...
Grandma taking a chance to cuddle with Dillon. He slept most of the time we were there. Why won't he do that at home? LOL

Christmas Part I - Twas the Night Before Christmas...

When all through the house
Every creature was stirring
Especially my spouse.

The children were dressed
in Christmas pajamas
that were sent to them
from their Papas and Grammas.

When out in the yard
There arose such a clatter
We sprang to the porch to see
What was the matter.

When what to our knowing eyes
should appear?
But the neighborhood teens
With fireworks, oh dear.

We hurried inside amidst
presents galore!
We stared with wide eyes,
What a site to adore.

We ripped through paper and
ribbons so quickly
We said thank you and moved on
To the next gift quite quickly.

Then on to dinner, what luck,
it was ready to eat.
We spoke and we pondered of
what made Christmas so neat.

Presents are wonderful,
Yes this is true.
But the real meaning of Christmas
Seems known by so few.

We spoke of celebrating Christ
And his birth
A miracle that helps us realize
What we are worth.

So this Christmas a wish
As Santa takes flight,
Merry Christmas to all
And to all a good night.

Now some pictures...

One pimpin' baby and thanks Grammy

This outfit was worn by Bobby and his brother, Eric. When Ayden was born Bobby's mother brought it for him to wear. There is a picture somewhere of Ayden in it. Now it's Dillon's turn. He had a good day today and I don't know if it was because Bobby was here to help me, if it was the cool polyester outfit with a butterfly collar or if it was due to giving him bottle for his morning and afternoon feeding.

Brooklyn called Grammy tonight and found out that we should be expecting a package. We checked by the front door and sure enough there it was. She sent the kids the cutest thing to count down the 12 days of Christmas! I don't know if she came up with it on her own or if she found it in a magazine but it's adorable. There is a hug and a kiss for each day and a big kiss for Christmas day! They love them.
Just a close up so you can see how it looks. So cute, thanks Grammy!

Grandma's Gingerbread House

Every year Grandma Carol has sent the kids a gingerbread house kit. It has become a favored tradition with the kids and Bobby to make the house. The kids had been pestering him for quite some time to get this done and finally Sunday seemed the day to do it - with a little hint from me ;). So Bobby broke open the package and got the icing ready. He's the builder and the kids are the decorators, of course. This year Ayden tasted samples of icing. I'm sure next year he'll be into it in more ways than one! The end result is a festive, lovely, colorful creation that looks good enough to eat, well, the kids sure think so anyway!! The kids enjoyed it and Bobby, although angered with the icing, as he is every year, enjoyed it too. I took pictures while the kids were doing homework so pardon the books on the table. Now the question is - how long will it remain intact?