Christmas 2010

I feel like the Holidays were a whirlwind, but really, they were no different from last year.  They were filled with lots of fun, family, and food.  I have just been lazy about writing about all of the events!  One thing was different this year.  Sadly, Prince Charming had to work when we went to my parent's Christmas party AND Christmas morning.  It was a bummer, but we rolled with it.  At my parent's party we took our annual picture by the tree, minus Prince Charming (see above) and The Peach (she was already in bed).  It was such a fun party.  The boys had so much fun running around with the other kids and were thrilled that Santa brought a gift for them.

On Christmas Eve, after Mass, we went to my parent's house for our quiet Christmas Eve dinner.  Fortunately, Prince Charming was able to join us once he got off of work.  We feasted on delicious Mexican food and exchanged gifts.  Once again, The Peach was present for a quick photo and then she went to bed.  She missed the madness that was present-opening.

(My sis.  Isn't she perdy?)

Once again, Aunt J, was with us on Christmas morning to watch the kiddos open presents.  It was such a great day.  Nice and relaxing with no where to be but home.  The grandparents (all of them) stopped by at some time during the morning and had some food and visited.

After naps, we headed up to Amma Gramma's for Christmas dinner and more gift exchanging.  To say that the boys were on Christmas overload would be an understatement.  I love the picture of the B-man below.  Could he look more excited about opening that gift?

All in all, it was a wonderful Holiday.  The boys were hypnotized by the magic of the season and it was so fun to see everything through their eyes.  

The Tree Trip

2010 marks the 4th year we have traveled to the White Mountains to find and cut down our Christmas tree.  We travel with 2 other families and manage to have a truly fantastic weekend.  This year was the first year one family didn't join us.  Having just had twins, they chose to stay behind.  I don't blame them.  We tried in earnest to bring them a tree, but fitting TWO trees on top of a car is very complicated.  Their 2010 Christmas tree is still growing on that mountain and will be waiting for them to find it next year.

We really lucked out this trip.  The roads were dry, there was enough snow to play in, and the weather was warm during the day.  We also found the perfect place to cut down our tree.  In past years we have only found what we lovingly call, "The Christmas Bush."  This year we actually found trees!  We drove for 30 minutes, turned down a dirt road and 5 minutes later we were in Christmas Tree cutting paradise.  While the men trotted off in the forest, we played.

That colorful bundle on my back is The Peach.  She was terribly tired and managed to fall asleep on my back - thank goodness!

After a quick sack lunch, we made sure the trees were on tight and headed back to the cabin.

That hill in the distance is Sunrise Ski Park.  The boys thought it was cool that they could see the slopes.

Right in front of the cabin there was enough snow to play in and sled on.  We were sure to do both!

This was such a fun trip.  I look forward to it every year.  And now, without further ado, I present to you a video.  My friend might tar and feather me for posting this video of her screaming like a little girl, but we were having fun darnit!  

Sledding from Kelly Mo on Vimeo.

2010 Gingerbread House Party

These Christmas posts have been a LOOOOONNNGGG time coming.  Bear with me.  Back on the first Saturday in December, Prince Charming and I hosted our Annual Gingerbread House Party.  Attendance was down this year, but we still had a great showing and a great time was had by all.  The competition was stiff this year, everyone brought their A-game.  Two of my favorites were the Teepee and the Beach House complete with a Jell-O ocean.  I can't wait to see what happens next year.  

When everyone wasn't busy working on their houses, there was chatting, snacking on the yummy Jalapeno poppers, and there was much laughter.  I should video tape next year.  Of course I made everyone pose with their house.  As I said, competition was tight this year.  The winner won by a single vote.

And the winner is.....

The Princess Castle!!  Well done, well done.  What will it be next year?

The teeth! They're falling out!

There seems to be lots of activity in B's mouth lately.  

Back at the beginning of November he wiggled and wiggled one of his top teeth until he was convinced it was loose enough for me to pull it.

So I did.

Then just the other week Prince Charming and B were rough-housing and there was an unfortunate incident where B's tooth collided with Dad's forehead.  Both were bleeding.  As a result, his remaining top tooth was now loose enough to work on.

I have to say, this kid is quite brave.  He was motivated to have this tooth out.  He kept asking me to try, but it was pretty stuck in there.  Then he said, "Why don't you try twisting it."  Prince Charming might have thrown up a little in his mouth when he heard that.  For me, that was a green light to give it everything I had.  When it really started to hurt him, it popped right out!  Just in time for Christmas.  

This morning he informed me that one of his bottom teeth is loose.  Here we go again.  

Christmas Hangover

I am wondering if we are the only ones wandering around in a wrapping paper fog.  Please excuse me while I go put together the Lego toys that the BOYS asked for.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you Peace, Love, and Joy this Holiday Season!

The Family Dog

We have a dog.  She is a 9-year old English Mastiff.  She loves me.  She drools.  She weighs about 150 pounds.  She is a couch potato.  She is very patient with the kids.  They crawl all over her.  Most of the time she just lays there and takes it.  She doesn't chase our chickens, but she does like their snacks!  I have never heard her growl.  She does not like to have her nails trimmed.  She loves visitors.  Most of the time the visitors get slimed.  The Peach's hair is frequently seen slicked down with slobber.  Despite her size and presence in a room she manages to avoid stepping on the baby.  She has been the best dog.  Even though she drools, sheds, and makes an unbelievable mess with her food, we adore her.

(Any clever captions for this photo?  Leave them in the comments section!)