Christmas 2011

Because of work schedules we had three days of Christmas festivities. On the 23rd we had dinner with the Raymond side of the family and the boys opened their presents from Nana and Papa. On the 24th we had breakfast with Raymond's then snacks and games with the Dodge's that night. Christmas day the boys got to open their presents at home and Nana came out to hang out with the boys in the morning. We had lunch and spent the evening with the Dodge family. The boys had asked Santa for real tools like daddy's. This was the first year that they understood what was going on. They left cookies out for Santa and "magic reindeer food" (from preschool) out on the lawn. It consisted of oats for the reindeer to eat and glitter so they would have a landing strip :)

Ugly Sweater

Watch out when I'm feeling inspired! This years Christmas surprise was ugly sweaters for all. Even the backs had bling and yes that is a reindeer stuck to the back of Brock's sweater.

Santa Again?

This Santa fellow is becoming a regular around here. Nana took the boys to the mall to see Santa. Mason of course ran right up to Santa ans jumped on his lap while Brock hid behind Nana. This Santa was so good though that he talked Brock out of hiding and even convinced him to sit on his lap!

Polar Express 2011

Nothing says holidays like a trip to the North Pole. We took the boys, along with the Hamilton family, up to Hood River to ride the Polar Express train. The train takes you up to the North Pole where you pick up Santa and his elves. They give you hot chocolate, cookies and they read the Polar Express book to you. When Santa comes by he sits by all the kids, gives them hugs, lets them tell him what they want for Christmas and he gives them a jingle bell because they "believe" in Santa. The kids LOVED everything about the experience.

Family Pics December 2011

Another round at the Picture People and yes we were the only ones there NOT wearing Christmas attire. No matching candy cane sweaters for us!

Storybook Land 2011

Well the boys absolutely LOVED storybook land this year! Mason climbed right up on Santa's lap, told him his name and told him (repeatedly) that he wanted tools for Christmas. Brock was a little more reluctant. Nana had to put him on Santa's lap and he wouldn't say one word to Santa. After we left he said that he did not want to sit on Santa's lap again.

Miranda's December Pics

Miranda got some quick pics of the boys again this month. They loved the Santa hat :)

One Cheesy Tree Please...

It's the day after Thanksgiving and the boys already broke out their cheesy tree. They started screaming they were so excited when I opened the box that the tree was in. Let the festivities begin!

Sleeping Soundly

So do you think it's because he's 3 years old that he can sleep like this or do you think it's because he's a boy?

Thanksgiving 2011

Happy Thanksgiving from two real life pilgrims. That's why they don't look very happy because they just got off a long boat ride on the Mayflower. After two days of binge eating I think we can call Thanksgiving a success this year.

Snow Play 2011

Well we decided to actually put some effort into our Christmas card this year so we took the boys up to play in the snow. We did manage to get a "not terrible" photo to use for the card and the boys got to play in some deep snow for the first time. Brock loved the snow but was too scared to take a ride on the tube. Mason was brave enough for the tube but decided that he hated the snow just as much as he hates water :)