Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

After going to bed after 1am, Christmas morning rolled around waaaay too early. But the boys did let us sleep until past 7:30, so I can't ask for much more!

They waited so patiently to open their presents, but when it was time, it was GAME ON! Santa brings 3 presents to our house (read more about that here) and Evan went straight for the big one! Since Evan loves to play drums, Santa thought an electric drum set would get a lot of use around here. Boy was Santa right!

 

 

Santa knew that Skylar would be in TN! We are so happy he was able to leave her presents here for her. Annnnnd apparently it takes 2 cousins to open presents. Stinkers.

We went over to Grandmom's for Christmas dinner and, of course, more presents!!!

 

It was an exhausting but wonderful day! As Mamaws always says, 'We are so blessed." Yes, even with drums playing constantly in my house....I am blessed. 

Christmas Eve Traditions

Besides visiting Santa on Christmas Eve, we traditionally have a Christmas Eve party. This started waaaay before our kids were born. We found that we and some close family and friends really didn't have much to do on Christmas Eve, so I we naturally set out to fix that. (2012 Party, 2013 Party)

Anyone and everyone is invited to Christmas Eve. The boys do exchange presents with Nonna and Pop and we usually exchange with some extended family and close friends, but that goes down earlier in the night. When the boys were really little, we were able to put them down and keep the party going. As they got older, they started to realize they were missing some fun. Last year, we ended the party the earliest ever at 10pm! This year, we were back to our normal Christmas Eve ways not wrapping things up until closer to 1am.

For the past 2 years, Uncle Fred has sent the boys cookies! We save them for our Christmas Eve treat! This year he went all out decorating cookies for all the kids, including Skylar! My boys will probably be upset next year when they realize they can't eat hers too!

Another Christmas Eve tradition is Nonna and her bow picture. This dates back to Evan's very first Christmas and the great poop storm of 08. That story will have to wait for another day....but Nonna got her bow picture!

Evan and Luke got Jenga for Christmas this year. We decided to break it out and have a friendly game. Well, this became the most intense longest game of Jenga I have ever witnessed. 

I'll never tell who knocked the tower down, but I feel like there might be a rematch next Christmas Eve.

The rest of the night was filled with food, drink and much much merriment. You can't beat a night of friends and family! (For the 5 people who read my blog - the rest of this is just pictures that probably only my family cares about!)

 
 
You know what being the AUNT mean?? I can buy all those impractical gifts I would never buy my own children, like monogrammed hats and big floweredy headbands!!


 

We ended the night with another Christmas Eve tradition - The Sprinkling of Reindeer Food! Oats and Glitter make up this magical reindeer food. The oats give the reindeer energy to keep up their long flight and the glitter helps them see which houses to visit from the night sky. 

Luke had glitter on his face the rest of the night. Now that I mention it, I am recalling a very late late night conversation about Mariah Carey and Glitter....Jessica - you may have knocked down the tower, but you get bragging rights about MC! #whoknewshewaswhite

Santa!!! I KNOW him!!

We started a Christmas Eve tradition a couple years past that I think will be our last this year. Three or four years back, we went to see Santa on Christmas Eve morning. We were the only ones in the place and the boys were able to run right in spend time with Santa. The past couple years everyone must have caught onto this and did the same because there has been quite a line. This year we waited an hour. We got there when the doors opened and didn't sit on Santa's lap for a solid hour.

Finding ways to entertain themselves

The boys did GREAT though. I think it might have something to do with A) the excitement of talking to the 'real Santa' or B) knowing the big guy was right there and he was watching....always watching.... Either way, I was super proud of them for being in a tight confined spot and being so well behaved. When they got to the big guy, Luke did his "Luke smile" no matter what we said, which is fine, because in about 10 years he probably won't even let me take pictures of him. They both told Santa what they wanted and were super sweet. I loved watching them with Santa.

The Texans went with us too for Skylar's first visit to Santa. She wasn't so sure about the big guy at first, but ended up coming around. Precious sweet girl.

We then went to my mom's house for Christmas. The boys were excited to finally be able to open presents and PLAY with the presents! And I was just happy to be able to spend time with my family.

Pre Christmas Fun

We were SO SO SO lucky to have the Texas Asbell crew at our house of Christmas. This was the first time I met my niece and the first time Luke and Evan met their newest cousin. Of course we knew Evan would take to her right away.

About 2 days into their trip, Evan declared, "I love Sklyar, but not in the creepy way." After the car muffled their laughter, I asked Evan what that meant? How could he love her in the creepy way? Just as quick as a cricket he said, "You know, like I don't want to marry her." Glad we cleared that up.

We went to Zoo Lights the second night they were here. It was forecasted rain, but we still forged ahead much to my husband's dismay. When we got there, it wasn't raining, thank heavens. The GREAT news was the forecast scared a majority of the people away. It was deserted!

The boys saw Santa. Luke went rogue and said he only wanted a toy train. Evan has been asking a lot of question about all the different Santas around town. We explained that Santa sometimes needs help since he can't be everywhere when boys and girls want to sit on his lap, so sometimes he gets helpers. I didn't think that really stuck until Evan, as loud as he could, said, "Are you the real Santa?" I am sure he has gotten this before and had a great answer. He said, "Are you the real you?" Evan laughed and said of course so Santa replied, "Well I am the real me." Well played Chris Kringle...well played.

It rained...a lot. For those of you who know me, you know I hate being rained on. Nature falling on my head....omgah, it's the worst. But those who also know me understand I will do anything for my kids. The boys begged to ride the ferris wheel from the moment we go there. John doesn't do heights, so up up up I went. While we were waiting in line it came a downpour. There was rain falling like cats and dogs. Whenever I even mentioned us getting out of line they cried and cried. The ferris wheel was literally the one thing they wanted to do at Zoo Lights. So I sucked it up and waited...in the rain. It was worth it. They loved every minute of that ride.

The boys had fun which mean John and I were happy. John even said he was glad I talked him into it. :) See honey - I know what I am doing...most of the time. 

He still loves me after being drenched at Zoo Lights!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!

Evan did great in his Christmas Program this year! Mom of the Year didn't have the batteries charged in the big camera, so all I got was iPhone photos.

Evan had a great cheering section as usual. We bought front row seats at the SGIS auction last Spring as a Mother's Day present for all the grandmoms. Good thing, since I didn't have a camera!

One great thing about Evan being one of the shortest kids is he is usually on the front row. I bet if he had his choice, he'd still choose to be taller. The kids still get to wear cottas for this performance. If you remember, I used to have a problem with cottas..until Evan put one on! Look how sweet they are!

Their little voices are still the sweetest thing to hear. They did 'throw back' holiday songs that have been performed in years past by St. George's kids. I am so glad I have a video to cherish forever.

Both boys had Christmas parties. Luke had a blast decorating a picture frame, icing a cookie, and making reindeer food! He also got to practice his....Luke smile... oh dear. And just look at him and Jane! Are we sure arranged marriages are not allowed?? Cuteness overload!!!

 

AND finally, both boys got REAL LIFE letters from Santa Claus declaring they were on the NICE list this year!!! Thanks Nonna for being our liason between the boys and Santa! They were super excited to have an 'in' with the big guy.

Christmas time was fast approaching and the Asbells were ready!