Christmas Morning!

We had kept all of the presents locked downstairs in the guest room so they wouldn't be opened prematurely, and brought them out after the boys went to bed on Christmas Eve. We made sure it looked like the presents were overflowing and didn't stuff any under the tree.

Andrew somehow knew the presents were locked in the basement, and Keith had told him he had to be good so Santa could bring him presents.

So this is what that equalled in a 3-year-old brain: A couple of days before Christmas, Andrew came running up from the basement and told me I had to come downstairs and unlock the door because Santa was locked in the basement. And several times that day, I asked Andrew, "Who's locked in our basement?"

"Santa," he would always answer.

Now how do you fix this without laughing and confusing him even more?!

When Andrew first went downstairs Christmas morning, he just kind of stared in awe and said something about how Santa came. He wasn't really awake and didn't quite know what to think.

Little Einsteins keyboard

Andrew is really into Cars, so we got him Lightning McQueen, Sally, Chick Hicks and a carpet road map of Radiator Springs. This is a picture Andrew took. Notice how the cars are lined up. So Type-A!

Jonathan got a little Jack-in-the-Box

Jonathan was still sick, and I'm sure eating chalk didn't help his tummy!

Jonathan playing a little drum tune.
He's such a good sick baby!

The aftermath

We had a fun and quiet Christmas morning at home. I think this was the first Christmas we've been at home since we are married - 7 years! It was fun to the watch boys open their gifts and Keith made yummy chocolate-chip pancakes and we all lounged around in pjs until noon. Jonathan slept in and then took a mid-morning nap while Andrew played. What a great Christmas morning!

Jonathan was still having diarrhea, so we waited until late in the afternoon to join the Nisly Christmas party. We got to Al and Dorothy's around 4, in time for dinner and the White Elephant Gift Exchange. And let me tell you, there were some doozy gifts. I got to open three because my treasures kept getting stolen. Lucky me. I ended up with a bag of bags. And not just any bags. No these were rejected free bags that came with purchases of make up, perfume, lotion, etc. Now I admit I have a bag obsession, but I don't know that i have a use for any of these. I think they might have to go in the garage sale pile!

My first gift was an electrical cord and a travel kit.

Ashley got this sad little ornament in a basket. She ended up with one of the best gifts - there was $5 hidden in the ornament.

Marilyn got this lovely bag and light-up snowman. Surprisingly, no one stole her gift!

My second gift was an HD DVD player - which was quickly stolen from me.

Christmas Eve

Happy Sick Baby

Aunt Sarah and Andrew

Andrew got this great book with a tractor that drives on a crazy track. So cool and hours and hours of entertainment.

We got Matt an AirHog helicopter, which he tested as soon as it was charged. Andrew was in awe and tried to catch it with his hands and a flashlight.

Andrew caught this picture of the helicopter in flight.

Grandma got a new mixer and Jonathan quickly checked out the parts.

On Christmas Eve, we kept up our family tradition of dinner at my parent's house (this year it was yummy kabobs) and opening gifts. Unfortunately, Jonathan was sick all day - stomach flu - and so we debated whether we should go. In the end, my parents said they weren't afraid of a little puke and diarrhea, so we went. Jonathan was a brave little trooper despite a couple of blow-outs. I didn't plan for all the blow-outs so Jonathan went without pants for most of the night. He didn't seem to mind. Despite a sick baby, we had a great time and got lots of great loot.

Christmas gifts from Grammy and Grandpa A

Jonathan's new camera face - a wrinkled-up nose.

Still happy despite the fact that the stomach bug was brewing in his belly.

These construction vehicles are fun and loud, and sadly, they don't have an off button.

Why do they make toy packaging so difficult for parents?

Here my patient helpers try to help me free Handy Manny's tools.

Andrew showing his new drill to Grammy and Grandpa.

Since we couldn't go to Boston this year for Christmas, we brought Grammy and Grandpa into our living room, via Skype. If you haven't tried this it is so great! They could see us and we could see them, and they could watch the boys open their presents, and the best part - it's free!

A pull-along puppy for Jonathan.

Can you see the excitement in his face for the new GeoTrax GeoAir?! BIG HIT!

Turns out, it's a great toy for both boys. Andrew flies Jumbo the Jet and Jonathan tries to catch it. Then Andrew screams, and we rescue Jumbo and distract Jonathan, and then the whole game starts over again.

Another coffee drinker is born!

"Let's see. Mommy just filled this box with paper. I wonder what she'd say if I removed it all?"

Busted!

We opened more presents on Tuesday night, this time from Grammy and Grandpa. We got lots of great stuff and the boys played and played. We had a hard time dragging Andrew off to bed that night. We finally had to threaten to put the toys back in their boxes if he didn't go to bed. That did the trick! But he was up early the next morning to make sure nothing was boxed up. Thanks for all of our great presents Grammy and Grandpa!

Christmas gifts from the Fleurys

"Umm, what am I supposed to be doing here?"

Andrew ripping open the first gift.

New construction GeoTrax!

Tossing aside the wrapping paper.

New books!

Train puzzle for the bath!

A rare picture of Jonathan opening a gift. Andrew was kind enough to open most gifts for him when he was too slow or lost interest.

We decided to enjoy Christmas in stages this years, so we started on Sunday night opening presents we received from the Fleurys. Andrew and Jonathan thought this was a great plan, of course! Well, at least Andrew did. Jonathan didn't really know what was going on, but he loved all of his brother's new toys. And Andrew loved all of Jonathan's new toys. It worked out great! Thank you for all the great gifts! We love everything!

Merry Christmas!

I tried to take a picture of the boys in front of the Christmas Tree the other day. You wouldn't think it would be that difficult. There are only two of them, and only 4 eyes needed to look at me. I quickly discovered it was NOT an easy task. Here are a couple of out takes, including a picture of Jonathan and me that Andrew took during a break from me trying to get them to stay put.

Santa and Christmas Lights

Jonathan wasn't too sure about Santa at first.

Andrew was excited to see Santa, but when we got to the front of the line, he refused to get near Santa, so there are only cute pictures of Jonathan with Santa.

We went to Heartspring tonight to see the Lights on the Lake. It's a driving tour of beautiful Christmas lights.

the boys

me and the boys

and No, I'm not pregnant. I'm just wearing a big heavy coat.

On the way home from our adventure, Jonathan started to cry. And before I could say or do anything, I heard a little voice say, "It's OK Jonathan. We're almost home. Don't cry."

And when that didn't stop the crying, he said, "I know baby. I know. It's OK."

Now I was almost crying at my sweet boy trying to comfort his baby brother. And I was a little in awe at hearing my exact words and tone coming out of Andrew's mouth. He never ceases to amaze me!