Christmas at Home

In keeping with the tradition I started last year I wrote Ross' list down and put it in an ornament to save. I just love this idea and am so glad I ran across it.

Daddy and the kids did the usual thing of getting gas and coming back to pick me up so I set up Santa. Santa was a wee bit tired as the gifts took quite a few hours to put together, but they are so cute and worth it!

We got home from Grady and the kids ran inside. Avery immediately went to her kitchen. Ross just kind of took it all in.

Then he spotted his helmet and football uniform. Definitely one of his favorite presents.

He wears the helmet all the time.

(with my camera phone) - His full uniform. He wears the jersey at least once a week.

 

Everyone went through their stockings and Avery got her sunglasses, Minnie slippers, and a pack of Skittles. She was totally set.

Both kids also got microphones b/c our other one went kapoot.

Styling. Last year's Santa gift is still a hit.

Another favorite was this awesome pop-up tent. It is so great. Super quick to put it and if Mommy wasn't such a goober I'm sure it would be super fast to put away but I can't ever get it to do in my first 10 attempts. Still an awesome gift!

Break time for a little tea.

Game time. It is obviously a dangerous game and the helmet was needed.

She realized you could take the sink out and had the best time putting stuff in it - like a garbage disposal of sorts.

Operation.

Calm down Olivia.

Then they hit a wall. If I recall it was 9:30 so after a busy day it didn't take long to go to sleep.

Christmas at Grady!

Once we finished up at Mom's we headed to Grady for the night. Sofia immediately got on the horse. (our first Christmas without Grandad - he'd have loved to see all the play time the horse got)

Next Sofia decided she needed to be in the baby walker. She stayed in it forever!

Poppy got a little Gavin time.

Granny, Aunt Wendy, and the boys made the traditional monkey bread.

All the presents piled up Christmas night.

Christmas morning hair! She grabbed her tractor up quickly.

Dad and Ross picture.

Aves utilized her gifts quickly.

Daddy and Aves.

Santa brought Avery a stamp set and Ross really enjoyed it too.

Best picture I have of me and the kids.

Alex got boots and was so excited!

Mid-way through Avery had to give Big Baby some love (note she also stamped on her feet).

Aves got a Minnie Mouse table and chairs and a tea set. She has not gone 1 day without having tea since.

The aftermath.

The arrival of Meme. (Daddy is in the background kissing the air - he also did this when feeding the kids baby food.)

The uncles helped build a fort.

After the inside play we went outside and Uncle Steve took us on a ride on his gator.

Ross absolutely loved this and I'm pretty sure never got off from the time Steve started giving rides.

All piled in and read to go.

Avery really loved it but after 2 rides we got off.

...and she got on the small gator with Alex behind the wheel.

Happy boy! While Avery was riding with Alex I got back on with Ross and Steve.

Like I said at the start this was our first Christmas without Granddad. As a surprise I got his shirts and made aprons for everyone out of them. I'm so happy with the way they turned out and everyone seemed to like them.  

It was truly a great Christmas. I was very much looking forward to it as well as dreading it b/c of the emotion of Granddad not being there but it was a good day and I just know he was there in spirit watching over us. Christmas was definitely his favorite holiday.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve morning we woke up and Snowflake a.k.a R-O-S-S had brought them a final gift and letter.  

After watching the kids all season "she" decided to bring them ornaments that reminded her of them. Avery got a much loved (as you can tell) Minnie Mouse ornament.

Ross got a hot dog. If you know my boy you know he LOVES hot dogs. He definitely didn't get that love from his mommy. YUCK

Once again the letter said Santa lifted the magic so the kids could tell our elf goodbye. Once again Ross was ecstatic! We even played hide and seek with our elf.

Avery even got a hug and kiss goodbye.

Once we got ready to go we went outside so Ross could sprinkle the reindeer food. He was SUPER meticulous about sprinkling it all over. I can't wait to see how Avery does it. I just feel like she'd dump the entire bag out in one spot.

Avery was more interested in running around than feeding the reindeer this year.

Per our usual Christmas plans we went to Mom's for Christmas Eve. Mom found these blow tea lights that the kids love. You can blow on them and they either turn on or off. Super cool!

 Such a cute Santa!

We always have non-traditional food for Christmas. This year was fish and all the usual sides. Avery LOVED the baked beans. It was really crazy how much she ate of them.

Next up were presents. I think the hit of the total gifts she was received with the Sofia dress up and the tea set. We haven't gone a day without having tea and most of the time it is with the princess.

 Ross got a super cool Nerf bow and dart set. If you say arrow he will quickly correct you.

 Your majesty.

 Grace was there as Doc McStuffins.

The boys played with one of Ross' gifts - an Angry Birds game. Ross loves it.

More playing with the candles.

I'm not sure how I managed it but this was literally the only picture of any adults that I took. This is also the only one I have of sweet Gavin.  

It was such a great day and a great start to our Christmas holiday.