The Opening

The boys were excited to open presents. But I have to say there were few surprises for Everett. We asked him what he wanted too many times and he got everything he wanted. Next year, I'd like it to be more of a surprise. He did freak out when he saw a pack of Skittles in his stocking....."How did Santa know I like Skittles?"

Christmas Morning 2011

It was, of course, Christmas morning that Lionel chose to sleep in. Not the weeks before when he was rising at 4:45am, but Christmas morning. Everett came running into our room and I quickly woke up and gave him a big "Merry Christmas!" and he said, "Mama, my pajamas are lighting up!" He was getting sparks from the static electricity in his jammies. I had to laugh. Here's the kid who has been counting down to Christmas since Halloween and his first thought on Christmas morning wasn't even Christmas! He begged me to wake up Lionel, but we waited. And at 6:30am, we ventured downstairs....

The first present opened was....a sword! What was Santa thinking??? Everett has a smile on his face as he opens a train from Papa and Grandma.

Christmas Eve 2011

This year, Christmas Eve involved a lot of packing for our trip to Ohio, but we also managed to have our traditional Cheesecake Factory dinner. The boys had to say goodbye to our elf, Finn. He had been with us since Halloween and would be heading back to the North Pole with Santa. We left cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph, of course. And while we were reading books before bed, we heard some noises up on the roof. This terrified Lionel. I think he expected Santa to be in his room. Both boys were asleep in minutes!

Boys

Being a mom of two boys, I am constantly amazed at the difference between what they find fun and what I do. Boys are so physical, it is ridiculous! Walking by these giant ornaments, the boys HAD to try and pick them up. It's not, "Oh, look at those!" it's, "I am going to carry that!". To which Lionel after a strained attempt said, "Mama, HEAVY!"

Lunch with Santa

We went to lunch with Santa today. Lionel has been a bit frightened of Santa this year, but it was a large place and the kids got a sack lunch and got to dance to a DJ, so I figured he'd be okay. He was a little nervous sitting on his lap and you'll notice that they both are devoid of emotion in their photo with him, but overall, it was fun. The boys loved the DJ and the dancing part. I saw some very original moves.....

Everett's Christmas Party at School

Wednesday was Everett's last of school before Christmas break, so they had a little sing along and the teachers put on a play. Then, the kids played outside (Everett is really into the bikes right now) and then had a pizza party. Lionel and I joined them and Lionel got to be a big kid that day. Something he rather enjoys.

Gingerbread Village

Lionel took a super short nap the other day, leaving us with way too much time on our hands in the afternoon. So we ventured out to the JW Marriot to see their famous gingerbread village. It wasn't quite what I expected, but it had a train so it occupied them for a bit. I couldn't get Lionel to look at the camera, but as long as he wasn't eating the display, I was okay with that. We walked around the grounds a bit, too, and I was reminded how fantastic winter is in AZ!