Our first Christmas at home!!! We have some great Christmas' the last
several years, but with the kids getting a little older, we were all
very happy to spend the night at home and make sure Santa came to our
house!!!
I got up at 5:30am and came downstairs to make a cup of coffee and bake a little. Believe it or not, I had almost an hour and a half before anyone else got up! I had two cups of coffee, made cinnamon bread and a batch of granola. I knew the kids were excited but they were also pretty spent from yesterday's excitement!
Finally Tucky woke up and came downstairs to see if Santa came. He sure did! He was so excited and kept looking around to see what was different. He actually walked over to the easel and said, "Wow, I really wanted this!"
Finally, Brooklyn woke up too and Tucky filled her in on everything he had noticed already. He really wanted to open the stockings and before too long, we did.
Brooklyn found a candy cane first and wanted to eat it of course. Tucky helped her unwrap her gifts but he was way more into it than she was. He kept saying, "I just can't believe this!"
Little Tuckyman knows his letters and was therefore able to identify whose gifts were for whom. He was actually right on too, although at one point he opened a sweater for Mommy because it was FROM: TUCK. haha, too funny! I think he was happy that it wasn't for him!
We opened the Santa gifts first and they both opened the paint and paper sets for the easel first. Then Tucky received a Trio train set that he can use with his other blocks. He was excited.
At this point, they both wanted to lift off the blanket covering Brookie's new table because something big was under it. They were both totally excited to see a dollhouse! Brooklyn sat right down and checked it all out with a huge smile on her face.
Tucky also opened a box with some Thomas wooden trains, a bridge and a signal. "Mommy, Daddy, I just can't believe this!" Someone was a bit excited.
This was it for opening presents for a bit because the kids were totally happy playing with what they had, my granola was almost done and we had some breakfast. We went back after breakfast and opened a few more gifts, but the kids were so overwhelmed already and just wanting to play with what they had!!!
They were able to play with their toys for a few hours before the relatives came over. Uncle Andy, Aunt Kristen and Celie showed up first followed by EE and Papi and the Fieldroy clan!
We visited while lunch was getting ready and then opened stockings just before lunch. We had a great lunch, everyone brought something for the meal and it was super fun. The kids got to use their new table and we were very surprised at how well all four did eating by themselves. Big cousin Evelyn was in charge and even Brooklyn sat most of the time and ate. Celie joined us in her carseat and was gently rocked by Brooklyn when she was finished, too cute!
Between lunch and pies, we opened gifts. The kids started in and also passed them out. They were so cute!
Evelyn was so excited to give Tucky and Brooklyn holiday attire and Tucky donned his Santa hat with others while Brooke sported her antler ears. I can't believe how long she kept them on!
Aunt Meacy gave me the tile kit so I can make clay tile projects with the kids. Tucky and Evelyn each made one for the Christmas 2011, lots of fun. We took turns opening gifts and watching the kids. They were so excited but completely overwhelmed of course.
Evelyn gave Brooklyn a baby with a stroller, rocking horse and some accessories. She was done! She hugged, kissed and carried around that baby the rest of the night. Amidst the sea of wrapping paper and cardboard boxes, Brooklyn cleared a path and pushed her baby in the stroller for the next hour straight. We had to pry that baby out of the stroller so she would take her to nap. It was hilarious.
Tucky and Spencer spent a lot of time driving his new train around the Christmas tree. For 3 and 4 years old, they were so gentle and careful with it. It's amazing how many hours they could pass playing trains!
While Brooklyn napped, we hung out near the bonfire outside. It wasn't that chilly of a day and perfect for a bonfire. Evelyn and Tucky loved it and really wanted to be outside with the grownups. Uncle Andy played ball with the kids and even tried out Tucky's balance beam. It sure was tough with winter boots on!
When Brooklyn woke up, we were all ready to come back inside. She wanted to go out, but as soon as we pulled out the pies, she forgot all about it. The pies were wonderful and we had to try a little from each of course.
We were all full and tired from all the action. We hung out and played toys with the kids and just relaxed. It was great to have everyone together and especially since everyone except EE and Papi stayed for dinner too. We finished up leftovers, had more pie and the kids kept playing.
I'm not sure how we almost forgot to bring out one last gift but Daddy really wanted to give it to Tucky when everyone was there. He made Tucky a beautiful oak display case for his Thomas trains. It was gorgeous and Tucky was so excited!!! He, Spener, Evelyn and Brooke went right upstairs and places his trains on it. Of course, then Tucky didn't want anyone to play with any trains after that....haha
The train man had been telling Poppi that he wanted a train display case just like his and boy was he quite proud of it!!! Nice work Daddy!
Today, while Daddy was at work, Tucky, Brooklyn and I played at Mimi and Poppi's house. While we were out looking at snowmobiles yesterday, the kids kept mentioning wanting to go back to their house. So we called and sure enough, Nahne and Mimi met us in Augusta to bring them back here. We had planned on heading north today anyway, but they kids really wanted to come early!
The sun was shining and it was relatively warm so I took the kids for a walk down the path. Tucky pushed a sled and Brookie took her usual spot in the backpack. She loves the backpack! We were looking for birds, downed trees and just enjoying the sights. I was snapping pictures and apparently Tucky wasn't impressed with all my picture taking. He complained that every time we do something, Mommy stops and takes pictures... too funny, but yes, very true!
