Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas! I cannot believe we have been waiting and anticipating this day for so long now and it is finally here.
I love Christmas!

Connor was up at 6:45 this morning (way too early since Santa's helpers didn't get to bed until about 1:00am finishing up few last minute things). He was so excited!, however we had him come snuggle with us for a little bit so that Jacob and Nolan could sleep a little bit longer.
When they woke up they were SOOO excited that Santa came. They opened up their presents from Santa (They are into the Pez candy and dispensers right now and got a ton of them, new toothbrushes, candy, etc.... Nolan wanted something Dora and Santa brought him a Dora puzzle and a new camera. Jacob wanted something Thomas the Train and Santa brought him a Thomas puzzle and then an electric drum set. Connor asked for only the game Don't Break the Ice after we vetoed the DS, and he was so excited to get it. He also was sent on a hunt to find his new bike from Santa. He saw the Fleet Farm tag that was left on the bike - silly Santa, so we had to explain our way out of that one. Did you know that when Santa brings something for a kid that the kid maybe didn't ask for, but Santa thinks he or she would enjoy - Santa puts a tag on it from a store so that the kid can exchange it if he or she wants to. Connor thought it was a good idea, thankfully!). We ate breakfast, opened a few of our presents, played, opened a few more presents, played, etc.... We got the boys some spy gear, shovels, golf clubs, Legoes, Connor a Rubix Cube that he's been dying for, Nolan a Nerf gun to keep up with the ones his brothers have, a parking garage for their cars, again...very spoiled boys.
We took Papa John and Yaya to our infamous sledding hill and went sledding for a little while. The boys had a blast. Nolan, was unbelievable for only being 2- he loved going down by himself. I stood at the top of the hill the whole time and took pictures while laughing at everyone!

We came home had a great meal (Connor reminded us to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!), and then went to the movie theatre to see Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakel.

After we put the boys to bed, Matt got out the Wii Fit that we got and entertained us for awhile.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Connor's class put on a play with the third graders. He was a sheep. My mom and dad and Matt were able to go watch it. Matt taped it, so that Jacob, Nolan, and I could also see it.

We are definitely excited about our white Christmas that we are going to have. Matt's been out snow blowing and shoveling quite a bit already.
The boys and Matt went outside and built a snowman. They had a blast. We had to improvise for his arms and his nose. They couldn't find any good sticks, so they used the butterfly nets and we didn't have any big carrots, so we used a corn dog! We enjoyed some hot chocolate when they came inside.

CHEERS!

Papa John and Yaya came down for Christmas Eve. We alternate every other year with spending the holiday with my family and Matt's family. Matt's mom was going to come down yesterday, but the weather was not good for driving. We will get together with her another time.
We had a nice relaxing afternoon and evening opening presents (the boys made a haul from Papa John and Yaya - race track, walkie talkies, fireman and policeman costumes, erector building set, another Wii remote and numchuck - to name a few), eating, and visiting. Matt, the boys, and I went to 10:00 pm mass, it is always so beautiful. The last couple of years the boys have slept through most of it. We put them in their pajamas so that we can just put them to bed when we get home.

We got the house ready for Santa before we left for church because we figured they would all be sleeping. The boys put out cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for his reindeer. We had to be sure to say good bye to Elfie. Santa takes him home when he comes to our house. Connor got a little teary eyed about Elfie leaving. He left Santa a picture he made at school to take back to the North Pole with him.
Waving good bye to Elfie (he hid on Connor's windowsill - in front of Mauer - the last night because Connor was so bummed about him leaving).

Dear Santa....

Mailed:

Received:

(Thank you Santa!) ;)

Big Belly and Christmas party

Connor goes to Sunday school during mass and Jacob and Nolan used to go to the nursery and play. However, the last two Sundays they have wanted to come up and be with us. They have actually done pretty well for a 2 and 3 year old. They color or draw on their Etch a Sketches.

Today I'm standing there and Jacob wanted to get by me to go stand by Grandpa and Grandma, so he whispers to me, "Mommy, can you move your big belly for a second please". Ha. It was said so nonchalantly I let out a chuckle. Good thing the choir was singing.

We had our daycare Christmas party tonight. Mary always goes above and beyond with this. The grandparents are invited also. She has Santa come, she has crafts, she has appetizers and a delicious meal, the kids exchange names to buy a present, and then Mary also gives the kids a present. This year she even practiced some songs with them to sing for all of us. It was adorable. She is so good to us.

Getting ready for baby.....

I woke up not feeling well this morning. I actually threw up a couple of times and my whole body ached. Mom and dad were gracious enough to come over and help out. Mom helped clean and get baby stuff ready and dad put in an automatic humidifier.

We (actually more like they as I directed) washed baby clothes, toys, equipment and cleaned the baby room. Jacob and Nolan were a huge help and were so eager. It was awesome. (don't worry - if it's a girl I am painting some pink in the room!)

Later in the afternoon, Connor had a birthday party and Jacob and Nolan went with mom and dad to the Elk's children's Christmas party. The boys enjoyed the magician. Jacob got up and helped with one of his tricks.