Christmas Day

I don't know what time the boys woke up, but some time before 6:30 they snuck downstairs to see if Santa had come.  Satisfied that he did, they went back to bed until it was time to get up.  As soon as they got up with us, the first thing they did was eat the cookie pieces that Santa left.  We asked the boys if they wanted to wait for Grace to wake up to open presents.  They didn't.

Grace woke up about an hour earlier than usual.  The boys were so excited to "help" her open her presents.

That's a bracelet with her name on it and birthstone.

At this age the boxes are just as much fun as the gifts.

Grandma Denise made this beautiful quilt for Grace.

Leo also enjoyed this box.

We all enjoyed a fire at the end of the day.  Notice that Leo is still wearing his pajamas.  He was the only one that stayed in the same clothes all day.

This was a very special Christmas for us in so many ways.  It really was a wonderful day.  And now that our family is complete, I was finally able to get matching stockings and other decorations I have been wanting to purchase.

Lastly, I wanted to point out that Harrison set up the nativity this year.  This is how he thought it should be, everyone looking at baby Jesus.  I always have all the figures facing forward, but I think Harrison's way is better and more accurate.  I love this so much!

Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve actually started on Sunday with all of us dressed up for Church.

What good-looking kiddos!

I love, love, love this dress on Grace.   She was already sleeping in heavenly peace by the time we got back home.

 That night we did one of our traditions of going to see Christmas lights.  Right before we left, we had an unexpected visitor.

 Santa and one of his elves stopped by to make sure the boys had been good and brought a few small gifts.

 On Christmas Eve I took the boys to the bounce house to burn off some of their excitement.

When we got home Harrison wanted to make a runway for Santa's sleigh.

Then all three kids threw out reindeer food (another tradition).

 We had a little party and then got ready for bed.  This year we started something new (which I think we'll continue) of letting the kids open the gifts that they got for each other.  We take them (separately) to Five Below and let them pick out presents for each other and for us.  The boys love doing this and have a hard time keeping what they bought a secret.

 Finally it was time to put out the cookies for Santa.  We watched Polar Express and put them all to bed.

We had to push the cookies away from Grace because she kept trying to grab them.

new trick

This seems to be a right of passage for the babies in our family.

Grace is about 3 weeks older than the boys were the first time they did this trick.  I think her balance is remarkable.

💙baby boys💙

Santa

We try to take the kids to Bass Pro Shop every year for a picture with Santa and to play at Santa's workshop.  The boys were very excited about seeing Santa.  Grace didn't really know what to think.

 She wouldn't smile but she didn't cry....success!

 Harrison was well prepared to tell Santa what he wanted.

Leo historically has had Santa issues but not this year.  When we got ready to leave, he started to get upset because he forgot to tell Santa what Grace wanted.

 The boys like to come here to sit on the ATVs and look at the big fish. 

 Grace actually had a Santa preview at playgroup.  She did just fine then too. 

trip to Connecticut part 2

We have friends who moved to Connecticut in October.  They had us over for dinner while we were there.  It felt like a little touch of home being with them.

The hotel pool was perfect for the boys.  It never got deeper than 3 1/2 feet.  They thoroughly enjoyed it!

I'm not sure why Leo wanted me to video all his dance moves.  He cracks me up!

in the hotel lobby and in our room

I love how Leo and Grace are watching Paw Patrol together.

We also went to The Fire Museum.  We didn't know it until we walked up to the door, but it was actually closed for the winter.  However, two retired firefighters were there doing paperwork and let us in.  They gave us a private tour and let the boys climb all over the antique firetrucks.  It was awesome!  I love it when the boys get to witness people being kind and going out of there way to make others happy.

Connecticut sure has been good to us this year!