We are so blessed and had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends again this year. Santa was good to us all and the boys had a great time opening their gifts. Hatcher got into handing out presents, we sorted first and then opened. Right away Hatcher got the hang of ripping and tearing only stopping shortly to enjoy each gift saying, "that is wonderful, that is cute, that is nice of them, or wow, that is cool!"It was a bit overwhelming for Aidan Christmas morning and he just gave up half way through...so we took an intermission and opened some later in the day. Actually, we decided that Aidan's hesitation was a sign and put some of the wrapped presents for both boys away for birthdays and special occasions later on this coming year. After naptime - of which the boys and Derek indulged - we headed to Grandma and Tom's for our gift exchange and Christmas dinner. It was a wonderful time and the boys had so much fun hanging out with the Ruf kids...Tom's nieces and nephews. As usual, there are just too many pictures...so enjoy the montage! We hope you have a safe and happy New Year! We we love to see everyone in 2009.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Getting ready for Christmas
We have had so much fun getting ready for Christmas this year. The kids enjoyed everyone's outdoor lights so much that we made driving around through nearby neighborhoods a nightly family pre-bedtime ritual. Most nights we all went in our jammies! The boys' excitement even inspired us to buy some reindeer of our own...which the boys LOVE! They go out as often as they can and feed them "pretend carrots" (sticks)! We had a few early presents and gift exchanges...and then celebrated Christmas Eve in usual tradition with Marma and P'Bo, Uncle Jared and Aunt Christina too! It was a lovely dinner and great time. We got home and set out some cookies, milk and carrots for the reindeer. Man, kids make the holidays so special! We hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas Boys! With love from Marma and P'Bo...your very own Treehouse!
Marma and P'Bo built the boys this very cool treehouse/playhouse in the back yard. Cold and wet weather has hampered the completion of the house, but that hasn't stopped the boys from wanting to play in it or tell everyone about their "little house." Derek helped P'Bo and Marma put the initial structure up and really enjoyed being able to partake in its construction. He said that it reminds him of the one P'Bo built for him and his brothers when he was little. There will be shingles, door and window handles, a front porch railing, stain and more once completed...just as soon as the weather cooperates. It is cold, and rain is predicted again today. I got some wonderful pictures of the boys when they first saw it the night after P'Bo finished with the trim work. How exciting...fun for years to come!
Christmas Party at School & Hatcher's Gingerbread House
Hatcher and Aidan's school hosted a holiday party for the kids. I tried to split my time between the two rooms but only got a few photos. They had a blast...probably from all the sugar. The last two pictures are of Hatcher's (with the help of Daddy's icing application) Gingerbread House. He is a pro...thanks Ramona for showing him how...he loves it!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Playhouse Disney Concert
Today was the playhouse Disney concert...the boys have been talking about this forever it seems. The tour hosts appearances by Handy Manny, Pooh and Friends, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins. The boys are fans of 3 out of the 4 Disney shows...in fact the Disney channel is on most mornings as we are all up and getting ready. So they were both familiar with the characters and songs. At the last minute Derek wasn't able to go so Grandma got the call and was able to join us (I didn't want to tackle that with one hand in a cast.) Although I was flustered with the last minute "playbook switch" and nearly forgot the tickets - for which we were 20 minutes late for the show - the boys had a blast. That is all that mattered. Hatcher got the Handy Manny hat and they each wanted a Little Einstein light rod. Too fun...enjoy the pics.
Estes' Holiday Party
Saturday night we went to Neil and Ramona's house for a holiday party. Everyone brought their kiddos along and some homemade cookies. I think everyone had a great time - I know we did. Ramona cooked a wonderful meal - as usual - and made boxes for everyone to take a sampling of the cookie assortment home as a gift. And...Neil and Ramona bought each of the kids a present. How super sweet! She also had a gingerbread decorating table for everyone. Hatcher is now a pro at decorating a gingerbread house. By the end of the night, all the kids finally warmed up to one another and were having a great time, just when it was time to leave. It was fun to see everyone and hang out. Thanks Neil and Ramona!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thanks Grandma!
Thank you grandma for all your help these past few days. I guess I have to admit - with my broken wrist I couldn't have managed without you...and I needed the help. I know you had as much fun as the boys and these pictures from today's tromping in the leaves captures it all. Thanks again...we all appreciate it! Only 50 or so more days to go with the cast on. Thanks again and until next time... :)
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