Christmas Fun

I was planning to edit these photos--but who am I kidding?  I never will.  And if I keep waiting until I do so, I'll never ever get around to blogging again.  Please ignore the demonic red eyes I can't learn to get rid of on my new camera!

 We headed over the Sound and through the traffic to Grandpa and Grandma's house for Christmas.  Uncle Jacob and Aunt Emily were there with little Ollie and we were set to have fun.  Grandma fixed the most delicious meal ever of Prime Rib Roast, baked potatoes with all the fixin's, green beans, bread, ambrosia and more.  I was too busy stuffing my face to take pictures.  Sounds like a repeat of my Thanksgiving theme, eh?  I'll write another post about my food addiction some other day.  There was no staying up late for Christmas Eve for the kids and Mommies--sleep is the best gift of all.

 The kids were up by 5:30, though.  I slept through their comings and goings from our room for the next hour and a half.  Aunt Emily took a fully awake Oliver to hang out in the kids' room for a while before he went back down for an early morning snooze.  Then it was the waiting game while one baby or another was asleep/awake/asleep/awake before we could open presents.  My girls wanted to put their Christmas dresses on as soon as the sun was up (which didn't happen for a few hours after they got up since it's the darkest of winter days around these parts).  The girls stand in stark contrast to the rest of us who stayed in our jammies.  I especially love Oliver's monster-bottom-jammies.

 Ezra and Caroline both got tennis rackets so that Daddy can finally have built in tennis partners.  He's been waiting for this day for a long time.  I tell you, he was very disappointed when we got married and I wouldn't take up the hobby of tennis to play with him.  Now he can ride his bike to the courts half a mile away and play with Ezra and Caroline whenever he wants....if it's not raining....or dark....or we're not all sick.  So, once a month, perhaps.

 Oliver just wanted to eat wrapping paper, of course.

 And so did Henry.  But he wasn't coordinated enough, like his cool older cousin, to be able to get it to his mouth.

 After presents we enjoyed a Christmas Brunch that I still have dreams about.  Uncle Jacob and Aunt Emily had to head back home mid-day, thus all the pre-Christmas dinner time meals. 

 Seriously!  Look at the cuteness of that kid.  Good thing he's my nephew and I can hug him and kiss him! 

 Oliver was quickly tiring of camera flashes and was squinting that darling little squint.

 I wanted a good picture of the boys together in the worst way.  Babies--they never cooperate!

 Look at how big Henry looks in Caroline's arms!

 Be still, my heart!

 Pretty special little family, I must say.

 I must also say that I'm so glad to be with Emily on holidays.  She isn't afraid to eat herself into oblivion also, so I don't feel so alone : )  After we were done with our little photo session, Emily noticed the burp rag on her shoulder and started laughing.  I love it--it'll be a wonderful reminder of all the joys of motherhood in the years to come.  Our little family also posed for some pictures, but we neglected to take any on our own cameras--doh!

 Grandpa and Grandma with their grandkids.

The kids loved the Sees candies that Grandma bought for desserts almost as much as their Mommy did!  The suckers were a fun treat to enjoy while we watched a marathon of Duck Dynasty.  Fascinating stuff, I tell you.  It was a very relaxing time spent with family and I'm quite thankful for it.  Traveling during school breaks can be exciting and fun--but especially with a new baby there's really, truly "no place like home for the holidays!"