2012 Christmas Morning...

Christmas morning is always quite early at our house.  Our kiddos have a hard time sleeping when they're so excited.  Our Santa doesn't wrap so at least it makes it an early evening on the other side of things. ;)

 

Lex wanted riding boots this year.  Santa also found a few other trinkets and surprises.  A game, a fashion book, tops, dress shoes, warm ups for competition dance, and.... a Kindle.

 

 

The boys received clothes, art supplies, Nerf guns, games, Skylanders, stocking stuff, and kindles.

 

Izzy was so funny.  She knew Santa would probably be her a Kindle.  She thought that would be her only gift.  She was SO surprised to find her secret journal and Cake Pop Maker.  All morning she exclaimed, "How did Santa know I wanted these?"

 

Ryan and I kind of wish we could start over with our Christmas traditions.  I guess it's never too late, so maybe, if we remember, we'll try this next year.  Another family member does this and it has worked well for them.  They have Santa bring one present and the rest are from mom and dad. 

 

I loved Jackson's note to Santa.  He is a firm believer in all things holiday.  Easter Bunny, Santa, Tooth Fairy, etc.  Even though he has many struggles in life, I love his childlike heart!

 

We had a wonderful Christmas.  We always feel so blessed.  It is a fun time of year. 

 

Merry Christmas!

2012 Christmas Eve...

Every year on Christmas Eve, we go to Ryan's parent's home for dinner and presents.  As is typical with the holidays, the night did not disappoint.  We are always so grateful to Ryan's parents for their effort to make the night special.  I think Marlene shops year round in order to find the right sizes, colors, and styles.  But, with all her children, in laws, and grand children, I suppose you would have to in order to accomplish that great of a task.  But, every year she does it perfectly.

Here's a peek into our night.

Ptolemy and Isabella checking out Grandpa's desk and computer.

 

Jackson's best quote of the season after eating some of Grandma's delicious holiday treats.  "My tummy is swimming in holiday cheer!"  - Sponge Bob

When Jackson said that, we all busted up laughing.  This kid, for how somber he is most of the time, has some great one liners.

Lex and baby Jersey

The present pile.  Grandma and pa really go above and beyond.

On the way to Grandma's, Collin complained of a tummy ache.  But, after a few minute resting in her room, he was ready for action.

 

Jackson LOVES holidays, getting together, family parties, and of course, presents.  While waiting for the action to start, he made sure to look through all of the presents to locate his name. 

 

Nikki kept the kids entertained with a cute pipe set.  Each child would hold a pipe and wait for the signal to ring their pipe.  Working together, they played a few Christmas carols.  It was fun to watch.

 

Jeremy was the designated Santa this year. 

 

All the grand kids.  I think with the arrival of baby Jersey, we are officially on to the next stage of life.  Great Grand Children!!!  However, let's be clear.  Golda, Lex, Ruby..... this stage should be quite a few years off.  At Least THREE anyway....  And that was if Golda was ambitious. :)  Well.... she is ambitious, but let's hope it's a different kind of ambitious.

 

Anyway... moving right along. :)

 

Izzy LOVED her 3-d jammies.

 

This year, Jeff made the leap and joined the no hair brother's club.  It is funny to see all four boys together.  They look a lot a like.  They are always being mistaken for one another.  The stories they tell about mistaken identity are hilarious.

 

Merry Christmas!

2012 Kid Gift Xchange

For Christmas this past year, we had all the kids exchange names and then buy for each other.  I think our dollar limit was $10.00.  They were supposed to use their own money.

I remember this being a BIG deal for Jackson.  He wanted to participate in the exchange, but he didn't want to use HIS money.  These types of scenarios are common for us.  Jackson doesn't quite understand why certain things have to happen in a specific way.  Sometimes we change plans to accommodate Jackson and other times we stick to the plan.  The latter of the two always involves extra energy.  However, we know he'll get there and so we also know the energy is worth it.

In this situation, we didn't want to cave to Jackson's demands of the process being unfair to his bank account and so we let him opt out of the exchange.  At the last minute, he decided he DID want to participate (again - a familiar tune in our home), and we were back in business.

The kids all went to the store and picked out a gift for their sibling.  Alexis had Izzy, Jackson had Col, Col had Jacks, and Izzy had sister. :)  I think each gift was a huge success.  Well, except sister's.  I helped Izzy pick out a belt and scarf for Lex.  Lex is such a fashionista that it probably wasn't her first choice, but she was gracious.  We also included the receipt. :)

I loved that the kids used their own money.  I hope it made the gift more meaningful to the receiver.  My kids all know the value of a dollar. In fact, at times, they love to hoard them.  Well, at least until the next trip to Toys R Us when that money is burning a hole in their pockets. :)

Izzy's giant coloring book from Lex.

Collin found the Toy Story Etch A Sketch for Jackson.  He was thrilled.

Collin is a Lego master.  He was so excited about his Hobbit Habitat from Jackson.

Lex's belt and Scarf. :)  Sorry Lex.  We'll do better next time. :)  You are just too fashion forward for us.  We are always trying to catch up. :)

2012 Gus Christmas

I know... it's March.  But hey.  I'm making an effort to get back into the swing of things as far as this blog is concerned.  I'm not as consistent or hilarious as my sil, Circe, is on on her blog.  But... I really do love the blog books and so I'll keep plugging along at this until I get it right. :)  My kids may need therapy by the time they're grown, but at least they'll have a scrapbook documenting the crazy the journey with me as their mother.  (just teasing - not really)

So.... here is a sneak peak at our Gus Christmas Party of 2012. 

 

Lex with cousin, Mikelle.  Sorry about the bad lighting girls.  You are both amazing.

 

Mom and Dad with all the grand kids.

 

Aidan REALLY didn't want to be in the picture. :)

 

 

Until next year. :)