Merry Christmas 2013 --- Afternoon

After a relaxing morning with food, laughter, new toys and lots of fun, Parker arrived home and couldn't wait to see what his stocking contained....hand warmers (for camping and hunting), tooth brush and other small goodies.

Beatrice enjoying her day

Then it was time to open a couple gifts before dinner.

Parker really wanted a bow and arrow set.  He must have asked me a dozen times if I thought the was getting it.  I think he got what he asked for. Here he is opening his arrows.

Matthias was surprised w/ an Airsoft gun for Mamma and Papa (the boys all disappeared outside after this)

Augustin got a DS game he wanted and then Samuel opened his gift from Parker...an Incredible Haulk toy. I think Samuel may be one of the most expressive kids around.  I love the pictures from today; he's definitely having a great day.

 

Parker dressed and ready to head out to play w/ the boys

 

Dinner time....we always start w/ fruit cocktail with sherbet; a tradition from my mom's family.  Served in the dishes my grandmother gave me for a wedding gift that were her mothers (a wedding gift) that she used as a kid and then my mom and her siblings used.  It's always a special moment to bring them out.

Random Beatrice pictures...always being held

We even got to Facetime w/ Aaron, Beth and the kids.  I got my first great look at Mary Elizabeth; she's adorable and getting so big. I can't wait to actually see her.

And then finally time for another present.  Veronica got to open the girls dollhouse and she and Rosalia love it.  Veronica had to run and get babies to put in it.  Even Rosalia wanted to play.

 

Parker and Augustin hanging out.

Two of my favorite pictures from today.  Veronica asked Parker to play doll house with him and being a fabulous brother he made her night and played with her...they even had Transformers in the mix.

Merry Christmas 2013 --- Morning

We have had a great Christmas so far.  I am thankful my replacement camera battery came just in time for Christmas morning; coming late on the 24th.  Too late to bring to Mass and the Linder's but I'm thankful it came at all.

We started Christmas on Christmas Eve with a nice visit w/ Grant and a small gift opening.  Then we headed to 4pm Mass which was beautiful and completely chaotic in our pew. I really do think it was like herding cats for most of the hour, but beautiful none the less.  We then headed to Linder's for our annual Christmas Eve at their house.  Dinner was fabulous as it always is...pasta, garlic, cauliflower, garlic, chick peas, garlic, fish (and I'm sure garlic) and wine.  Then it was time for gift opening and the kids were thrilled to learn they are getting a swingset/play area this spring from Grandma and Grandpa. We then headed to drop Parker off before coming home to put little kids to bed...that would be everyone but Matthias.  For the 3rd year in a row Brad has taken Matthias to midnight Mass.  Augustin wanted to go, but changed his mind.

Matthias playing the DS while waiting to leave.  This was his first year serving at Midnight Mass.  He was afraid he'd fall asleep, but as I predicted he stayed awake.

 

Then Santa came and filled stockings

 

Christmas Morning

Thankfully the kids were tired from a late night and slept in a little...7am. The kids were excited to finally see what Santa brought them.

Augustin eagerly check out what was inside and was happy to find a rock "digging" kit, toothbrushes, bandaids, candy and some other small stuff.

Veronica was thrilled.  This is probably the first Santa experience she remembers.  She was so excited by everything...hairbrush, hair ties, a Dora coloring book and of course the typical (for our family) toothbrush and bandaids.

I love her face here

 

Samuel REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted a Megatron transformer for Christmas.  And while in a bad mood the other night told me he was sure he "wasn't getting it at all".  As you can see Santa brought Megatron and he very excited.

While waiting for the sleepy heads, Matthias and Rosalia, to wake up the kids played on the sleds Santa brought and with their stocking toys.

Rosalia finally woke up around 8:30!!!

As you can see she sucks on her blanket like most kids suck on a pacifier. It makes her blanket disgusting (we have 2 of them so they can be washed on a daily basis).  She loved her bath toys and pj's.

She is getting so grown up.  I love the tiny barretts in her hair and her eyes just twinkle when she smiles.

Matthias was the last on awake at 9am.  He was tired from his late night.

Beatrice enjoying her first Christmas w/ a few things in her stocking.

 

Veronica joined us on the couch for a picture.

 

Veronica showing off her Christmas outfit (this was in a bag of clothes we were given and she loves it)

 

 Then it was stocking time in Mamma and Papa's living room.  12 stockings for the 12 grandkids (in age order) Grant, Parker, Matthias, Augustin, Samuel, Evelyn (on the top row).   Oliver, Veronica, Benedict, Rosalia, Mary Elizabeth and Beatrice (bottom row).

Veronica watching Mamma make the dressing for the turkey

 

Mamma opened her birthday gift from the kids

 

Lots of fun and relaxing.  Parker was due home at 2pm and we never open gifts until he's home.  So the kids just spent the morning enjoying their stockings.