Christmas 2012

This year, I definitely felt like Christmas was magical.  Jack really got into the Santa thing, our Elf (who still doesn't have a name..) came back to check on us everyday, we read a ton of Christmas books, listened to lots of Christmas music and even went to a Christmas parade earlier in the month.  Of course the little boys didn't get in on much of that, but I know they will next year.  I can only imagine it will become more and more fun each year as the boys grow up.  

The way our tree looked on Christmas morning

So, Patrick and I woke up earlier than usual to get everything "set" for the day.  I made a breakfast casserole that I made last year (and will probably make every Christmas morning from now on), we got ourselves ready, packed for a mid-morning trip to Grandma's and then waited for kiddos to start waking up.  

Jack was aware that Santa was coming during the night, but I'm pretty sure he didn't really know what to expect.  As he and Patrick were coming down the stairs, he saw the tree and his Santa gifts (yes, a broom which he BEGGED for and a big wheel) waiting for him.  As they came into the living room, he buried his face into Patrick's shoulder and didn't want to leave his arms.  It was that I'm-so-excited-but-I-don't-know-how-to-act... reaction.  He didn't know if it was ok to run to the tree, scream, or laugh.  So he just held onto his Daddy.  And I cried!  Seriously y'all.... I cried.  It was one of those moments as a Mom where it hits you right in the heart.  These are my kids.  This is my life.  This is my family.  And I want to soak. it. up.    That little boy was so full of pure joy.  And innocence.  And faith.  I just couldn't hold it in... and I'm crying again as I type this and think back about that moment.  It was absolutely perfect.  The silly broom and all.  

riding the new big wheel

 Jack had asked for his own "loofa".... so he got a Cookie Monster one in his stocking.

Patrick giving me a funny look after he opened toothpaste in his stocking.  What??  You don't think toothpaste is an appropriate stocking stuffer?  You would if you knew how often I steal his toothpaste off his sink :/

Some silly (and random) pics opening gifts...

Part of Jack's head in the pic... but these napkins from my sister Kim were hilarious.
They say "Livin' the Minivan Dream"  Bahahaha

And then on to Grandma's with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins to continue the fun!

This book from Anne, Mark and Graham is such a great read-aloud book!!  Wish I would have known about this one when I taught school to teach adjectives, and descriptive writing, and elaboration, etc, etc!  (sorry about the dorky teacher comment... but it's a great book!)

Luke being funny!!!

This isn't chronological... but we decided to let the boys open gifts from my mom and sisters on Christmas Eve to space out the craziness gifts.  It's a good thing we did... and it gave Jack some new things to play with for one extra day.  As if he (or the little two) need anything.