Merry Christmas!

Christmas is magical with little boys! We had a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of family time. The boys were both up by 7. Jackson had to have his smoothie and apple sauce before heading downstairs. Noni and Papa J came over to watch the boys open presents. Brooks enjoyed his first Christmas. He got a chair,barn, books, cars,a push walker, and lots of other noisy toys.

Jackson was finished when he saw his bus and cars. We would unwrap something, and he would say, "Open it." He just wanted everything out of the box. He got cars, Radiator Springs, a castle, books, clay, and more cars! Santa also left him a note to look on the back porch. That is where Santa left his clubhouse garage! He was really excited. Too bad it was too cold to play! Jackson was a little overwhelmed

Tim fixed a wonderful grits casserole, and we played for a little while and watched the Disney parade. We also gotto Skype with Grandma and Grandpa. The boys opened their presents from them and loved all of their new books and the bath toys.

Then we went to my parents' house. The boys were spoiled again. My mom always does too much for Christmas ( and always has). All three boys enjoyed opening their presents and looking in their stockings. My mom and dad loved the iPad that we all went in together to get them.

We went to Joyce and Ernie's for lunch. Jackson had fun playing with the kids and loved the presents he got there. We had a great time seeing everyone.

Then we headed to Greenville for dinner at Kristi's house. Both boys slept the whole way there. The boys were spoiled again. Santa came to visit. Brooks was fine until he turned around. Jackson wanted no part of it!

Even though our Christmas Day is a little hectic, I am so glad that my boys get to experience Christmas with lots of family. I love that they are growing up with lots of extended family. My mom and family made sure Christmas was always magical, and I want to do the same for the boys.  I am thankful we have Skype so that we can kind of be with family in Wyoming too. I know that Tim really misses being there during the holidays.

Christmas Eve

Well, Christmas Eve did not start how I planned. Poor Brooks was up all night fussing and pulling at his ear. He is very congested and not happy. After talking to the nurse, we decided to take him to the doctor. After a Rudolph pancake breakfast, I took Brooks to the doctor. We were there almost 2 hours. He has an upper respiratory infection. While we were there, Tim finished up our shopping, and Jackson went shopping with Noni.


Once we all got home, we made cookies for Santa eve though Jackson kept saying, "Make cookies for me." Jackson's favorite part was eating the dough. He loves sprinkles too. He said, "Mommy, these are beautiful."

Then we watched The Polar Express while Tim did some cooking. We took the boys to the Children's Mass at St. Joseph's to hear the Iveys sing. Both boys slept through the entire thing.

We rode by the lights ear our house twice.  Santa was there waving. Tim fixed dinner for my parents and us. Jackson was excited to put his reindeer food outin the front yard.

The boys opened one present. Jackson picked his racoon stuffed animal. He was not impressed. Brooks opened a new book. After a bath, the boys put on their "elf jammies."

I took Jackson to bed, and we read about Jesus. He had a hard time falling asleep. Poor Brooks still doesn't feel well. I guess we are on the couch again!

Christmas Eve Eve

It has been pouring the past few days, and we are all tired of rain! Once it stopped, we headed to Greenville with my parents. We started out at this train exhibit. Jackson really liked it. We had lunch at Mellow Mushroom. The boys were really good, and it was nice to get outside for a little while.

Christmas Traditions

Here are some of our favorite Christmas traditions:

• Christmas tree
• Decorate cookies for Santa
• Decorate Gingerbread house
• Pictures with Santa
• Christmas lights
• Breakfast with Santa
• Gingerbread houses at Grove Park Inn
• Make Christmas plates
• Shrimp and Grits on Christmas Eve
• Reindeer food
• Open one present on Christmas Eve
• New jammies
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Breakfast with Santa

Today we headed to The Children's Museum for Breakfast with Santa. We were shown to our table when we got there, and then we waited in line to see Santa. Of course, Brooks sat with him. Jackson would only stand next to him. We enjoyed our pancakes, French toast, eggs, grits, and sausage. Brooks even ate some pancakes along with his oatmeal. Frosty and Rudolph made special appearances too!

After we ate, we made reindeer food and a picture frame. Then the boys played in the water table. That is definitely Jackson's favorite! Brooks likes it too.

We ran a few errands in the misty rain, and then enjoyed lunch at American Roadside. We also walked through the Festival of Trees at the Hyatt. Brooks slept, but Jackson liked all of the pretty trees.