3 Days of Christmas

I think we’re finally recovering from all of our celebrating.  We had three whole days of celebrating this year.  We started off at my parents’ so we could exchange gifts.  Nicholas was excited about everything he received from a basketball hoop for his room to a LEGO organizer to an office set to a brand new Wii.  My sister always gives the best gifts (as Nicholas says) and the last one was from her.  Daniel did quite well with some new clothes and various toys that make noise and light up.  He was playing with his little steering wheel (also from Aunt Amy) and hitting the same button over and over again.  It was a nice low-key celebration and a nice start to a lot of running around.  

My mom took Nicholas to the dollar
store to buy us some presents.

Here's mine (hat included)!

My sister made our grandma a gift basket.
Check out the cute boys in the picture.

So he can be just like Poppy!

G.G. with her great-grandsons

Then, we had Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family.  There were a lot people there to give one-on-one attention to both boys.  Nicholas and Daniel both were blessed with a lot of presents.  I am part of a women’s exchange with the other women in my age group.  Everyone had some great ideas this year.  The guys are a little less creative.  They just buy gift cards and find some way to steal the one they want from someone else.  Evan was pleased with the one he received though.

We never got out the camera that evening,
but here is Daniel earlier in the day testing out his
 portable high chair.

Unfortunately, Daniel reached his limit of fun.  He let us know almost the entire drive home.  He didn't just cry, but did his angry cry.  We got both boys in bed at a reasonable hour, hoping that they would both sleep in.  But, Daniel woke up first – at his normal time.  Nicholas was last with about 10 minutes of extra sleep than normal. 

We read the Bible as a family before heading downstairs.  We had the boys take turn opening gifts.  Evan and I didn't really have anything for each other – just a stocking stuffer – since we bought ourselves a new bedding set as the first step of fixing up our house (can’t have a ratty, old one on the bed).

We don’t buy the boys too much since they are majorly blessed by many other people.  Nicholas got several LEG* sets and books.  Daniel got books, a couple toys, and a hat.  I gave him a couple of his gifts earlier in the week, which bothered Nicholas the most. 

He kept it on for awhile.
He looked so cute in it.

Everything except his ornament

Most of Daniel's gifts

After giving Daniel a nap and Nicholas a short rest time, we were off to Evan’s parents’ house.  Daniel showed off his crawling skills and Nicholas was able to play with his cousins.  He received more LEG*s to add to his collection.  Evan and I were happy because we both enjoy putting them together.  In fact, we only have one more set to go. 

Showing Grandpa his gift.

Nicholas had Haley's name in the gift exchange.
He was not happy to buy her this gift.

Evan had Wednesday off of work, which gave him nice day to relax and stay out of the potential blizzard we were supposed to have.  I think we’re finally getting back on schedule.  Our tree is already down and that has brought a smile to my face.  I only have to keep Daniel away from the blinds now.  And, all the toys are organized and the house looks a smidge bigger again.  Now we’re going to relax for the next week and a half until life really goes back to normal.  Our next focus is the house and getting it ready to sell!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Looking back, we can really plainly see God’s blessings this year!