Christmas Festivities

We gave the Santa pjs one more try before Christmas, and the boys were at their silliest!  They were both shouting, "Ho Ho Ho!" 

Minnie, Bubbles and Ally came on the 22nd to begin celebrating.  We all had so much fun!  Kevin and I cooked a ton, while Lincoln and Beau had such great playmates.  I think they played with every single thing in the playroom!  Building blocks, marching bands, tons of reading, and many hours of "cooking" . . . the boys were in heaven!  Ally's iPad was a real source of amazement.  They watched Charlie Brown Christmas in awe!  (We totally have it on DVD, but it was cooler when Beau could tap the screen a million times!) 

Bubbles found a fun movie and everyone climbed up to watch.  This iPad business is serious!  Daddy has one, but the kids have never even seen it.  I'm thinking that may change soon.  Thanks to Ally for sharing! 

Christmas Eve dinner was wonderful; we had great food and happy guests.  Minnie, Bubbles and Ally were here, Nana and Pop Pop joined us this year, and Marian and Larry (Kevin's Aunt and Uncle) came from California to celebrate with us.  The dinner was a success: ham, dressing, baked potato casserole, green bean casserole, yeast rolls, fruit salad, cheesecake and cupcakes.  YUMMY!  It was our first year to have a kids table, and I was lucky enough to be stationed there.  So fun, as Beau would say!  The boys were super excited.  Lincoln told me he loved the dinner his daddy prepared for him - so sweet! 

My little monsters ate like crazy for 10 minutes then managed to wiggle out of their chairs to play under the table.  They had a blast!!!!  They chased each other forever on hands and knees and squealed a million times! 

While I was serving dessert, my #1 dishwasher was contemplating the mountain of dishes in the kitchen!   

"No worries - I got this!"  (Note the rubber gloves, of course!) 

We opened tons of presents from the Freemans and tons more that they brought from our relatives in Arkansas.  I think the favorites were a Mickey Mouse dance mat, some dress up super hero costumes, and an instrument set with microphones! 

Minnie, Bubbles and Ally had to leave super early on Christmas Day to beat the snow storm, so we didn't get to see them on Christmas morning.  Santa came during the night and left fun goodies for the boys.  Somehow Santa knew that Lincoln and Beau have been obsessed with cooking and sweeping lately! 

The stockings were examined first.  Santa left flashlights, goldfish crackers, M&Ms, and bananas along with a few other treats.  Beau needed to chow down on the banana right away! 

When they finished the stockings, they got down to business playing with the kitchen and brooms.  We have had many wonderful new meals prepared by Lincoln and Beau.  They totally love the kitchen!!!  Beau couldn't wait to have Daddy cut the tags of the broom so he could bet busy cleaning!

Lincoln was so excited about his Tow Mater RC car.  It is super cool and super fast! 

While we played with our awesome Christmas gifts, the snow arrived!  Who doesn't love a White Christmas????  After lunch, we bundled up and headed out to play.  They were so excited!  We caught snow on our tongues, scooped it with shovels and blew bubbles in the snowy wind.

Daddy ordered his favorite Christmas Day Dinner pizza, and Nana and Pop Pop came back to celebrate a little more.  They brought gifts, and the boys were so excited as we set up the roller coaster.  Lincoln was definitely ready to go first!  He loves it! 

Beau wasn't far behind, although he wasn't as confident (or wild) as Linc.  Beau's first few rides on the roller coaster were with his eyes shut and gripping the handle tightly!  After twenty or thirty trips, Beau is definitely enjoying the rides with his eyes wide open and a full squeal! 

We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful Christmas Eve/Day.  We were surrounded by our families who love us, we were all safe and sound (minus electricity those back in Arkansas) and we were blessed with yummy food and fun presents.  Lincoln and Beau were so excited about every single part of Christmas this year.  We tried not to go overboard with gifts, and they were totally ok with that.  Santa gave shared gifts and we only gave them two each.  Beau refused to open his two gifts on Christmas morning.  He said, "Done Mommy, just play."  I love their excitement and pray that every Christmas is as joyous as this one was.  It was a truly Merry Christmas!