{some of} Our Christmas

We've taken down all our decorations and have celebrated the New Year. We all had the flu Christmas week (except Liam), it was awful, but I was glad I had off to sleep and tend to a sick Lily. And this past weekend I spent cleaning like crazy for two showings. The bigger truth about why I haven't posted our Christmas is...time (or lack there of). I have a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old and work 40 hours a week...you mama's out there understand, right?

I am excited about 2012 and what it will bring for our family (maybe a new house?). The beginning of a new year and the possibilities that it can bring are always exciting. And January, well lots of fantastic people I know were born this month (my best friend, Billie, my uncle, Billie, Chris, my great aunt and my grandma - yes, it is another expensive month!).

But we just can't start celebrating the new year, without talking about our Merry Little Christmas that we closed 2011 with.

So many things happened in December, it was hard to keep up!


Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa was started when we realized there is no good place around anymore for Breakfast with Santa...it was such a part of our childhood Christmas memories (we all used to get dressed up and go to the Boston Store restaurant when we were kids), it was a tradition that must be maintained. Here is 2010 and 2009.

 

I had a pretty large smile on my face when I realized that, no, I hadn't just walked into a Pottery Barn Kids catalog, just my aunt's house for breakfast with Santa. The kids table was sooooo cute.

 

During breakfast, there was a sighting...

And they're off...Mason...

...then Lily...

...then Ashlyn...

They couldn't contain their excitement by the door, which lead to running in circles.

Finally, he was here.

They all took turns talking to Santa and telling him what they wanted

The horror on Liam's face is priceless

He sang some songs with them

Handed out presents

Gave out hugs

And played some tricks, telling Mason he had no more presents, until Mason found his on the bottom of his bag...that silly Santa!

They were sad to see him go (me too)

Liam got a police car puzzle...

And the classic shot of the kids (check out frowny sister on the right)

Ashlyn, Aubrey, Mason, Miles, Gabriella, Liam, Lily

They liked the "silly shot" much better

Miles' First Christmas

Peek-a-boo Gabriella...I see you!

Santa's Lap

We made our annual trip to the mall to visit Santa. I feel like it's a "must do" for Christmas. Lily had her gloves and her handbag.

In the car I asked her what she was going to ask Santa for, her reply "It doesn't matter what I ask for, he just brings me a puzzle", I was speechless, I hate when I am stumped (which seems to be always lately with her questions and quick wit), I knew she was referring to Breakfast with Santa. I almost said "that Santa wasn't the real Santa", but that didn't seem appropriate...I told her this Santa wouldn't be giving her a present right away, this Santa would be bringing it on Christmas for under the tree.

Liam wore his vest and argyle socks.

She was so excited

 

She told Santa softly that she would like a table. Over the last month she has asked for batteries for her Leapster Explorer (she apparently isn't aware that we have a drawer full of batteries in our kitchen), a microwave and the latest has been a table.

Why do I not own one of these vests?

Country Christmas
This year, we were all able to fit in our new crossover while we drove thru. 



I love it

Every year it gets more fun, as Lily and Mason are now able to spot things and are super excited, next year we will have 4 excited little people!

We headed in the "warming house" for cookies, cocoa and to find things on the amazing train display

Don't worry, we did leave some hot cocoa for the other guests

Miles used his "Santa Butt" to pick up some older ladies...it works every time

That's it for now...more to come!

By the way, our house is already a mess again