Post-Christmas Fun

Once Christmas was over, the fun didn't stop. We went to the Peabody to see the ducks and eat lunch at the Rendezvous. This was Henry's first time to see the ducks. He could have watched all day. He just kept yelling "quack!"

 

 

The ducks were feisty that morning and kept splashing everyone. Henry didn't mind!

 

 

On the Sunday after Christmas, we went to Tyler Perkin's 3rd birthday. It may have been the best birthday yet as far as my two little boys were concerned. It was a golf theme, and they had all of the putt putt holes set up in the MCC Ballroom along with 2 bounce houses. The boys would just run from golf to bounce house and back! So fun!

 

 

They had two guessing games - how many golf balls in the bowl and how many golf tees? Thomas guessed on both and didn't want to take any advice for me. It turned out to be a good thing because he guessed the closest on BOTH of them. He won this snazzy golf cart and couldn't stop talking about it.

 

Sunday night we celebrated my birthday. Who wouldn't have a good birthday with these three guys celebrating with you? 33 doesn't look so bad with them around!

 

Always someone willing to help blow out the candles!

 

After Christmas, I also got some time to love of these two precious boys. The Hesters were in town and I finally got to meet John and Charlie. In fact, they ended up staying with us for a few days after Christmas and I got to spend some quality time with them one night while their sweet Mama caught up on some much needed sleep.

 

 

Please pray for this sweet family. Charlie has been in the ICU since last Monday with viral sepsis as a result of a common cold. He has made so many improvements since then and they are trying to wean him off the ventilator. It has been a bumpy road for them - John was also in the hospital for a few days, DeeDee had the stomach bug, everyone is tired and poor Jane doesn't understand. Lots of good news today but still a long road. God has proven His faithfulness and mercy by healing everyone along the way. For this, we are forever grateful. I'm going on Friday to help for the weekend. I am anxious to finally lend some hands-on time. I've felt so helpless from faraway.

Christmas

I'm finally getting around to blogging about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! We had a very special Christmas this year because Patrick's parents and Grandmother came to Memphis to be with us. This is the first time they have not been in Sandersville for Christmas, and we were so excited to have them with us.

 

We started with Christmas Eve Children's Service at Second. Everyone was all dressed in their Christmas colors, and it was a wonderful service.

 

 

We sat with the Stines so these two little boys were in Heaven.

 

After Church, we came home and ate dinner. Then began the mad dash to set out the reindeer food and cookies and get to sleep before Santa arrived. Thomas slept in the extra bed in Henry's room so Grandmother could have his room. It was so cute to him them talking and giggling as they were going to sleep.

 

 

 

Thomas insisted on making a plate this year for Polar Bear, our Elf. He even left him some cookies.

 

The boys must have been good this year...

 

Papa wanted the boys to wake him up before they went to see what Santa brought. He was "sleeping" in his Santa hat and the boys thought it was so funny. Oh the giggles!

 

Thomas only asked for three things: a Hot Wheels track, checkers and Candyland. He got all of that and way more, I'm afraid.

 

Henry didn't ask for anything but Thomas asked for a Mr. Potato Head for Henry. He got that and more but was still more interested in Thomas's toys. If Henry ever gets quiet, I know I can usually find him playing in Thomas's room.

 

This gift was one of the hits of Christmas. It is a cardboard playhouse. They have colored and stickered it for hours and then they play hide and seek. It has been a perfect distraction for cold and rainy days.

 

Thomas also got a remote control car and excavator, Jake's Mighty Colossus Ship, a Hot Wheels garage, Connect Four, DVD's and a battery operated Thomas the train.

 

Henry also got bristle blocks, a play cell phone and set of car keys, books, a pile of Barney DVD's and his own lap tray for the car.

 

After breakfast, we all went over to Mimi and Tino's for more gifts and brunch. The boys got one of those big round rope swings at their house plus a play lawnmower, a Barney doll & DVDs (Henry is obsessed with Barney. We call it "baby-crack" because it can cure most moods.) They also got a train that literally does backflips, books, and more.

 

We had a wonderful Christmas, and I will treasure the memories of having both sides of our family together. The boys got more love and attention than anyone could dream - making the holiday even more magical.

A Pre-Christmas Re-Cap

We enjoyed Christmas to the fullest this year. So many fun things to do with little ones. They are just in awe of the magic of Christmas, and it makes the season that much more special.

 

We started with the Children's Christmas party at the MCC. Always a fun time and this year was no different.

 

 

Henry didn't want to have anything to do with Santa this year. He is obsessed with pictures of Santa but the real guy - not so much. Maybe next year. Thomas, on the other hand, had lots to say.

 

Henry enjoyed the cookies and icing though!

 

Climbing like crazy ones on Santa's sleigh.

 

Next we decorated gingerbread houses at the MCC. Thomas always loves this and it really is cute. They have everything all laid out and organized. Best part is no mess at home!

 

 

The Joys came over to make gingerbread houses and play. Charlie and Thomas decorated their houses while the little ones snacked on the candy. They all did a great job and there was hardly any mess!

 

Love these four kiddos!

 

We went to PJ Storytime at Second. Pastor Sandy tells the Christmas Story and we sing Christmas carols and have cookies and milk. This year they piped in pretend snow. Lots of fun!

 

 

Sweet boys enjoying the tree.

 

 

Henry was mesmerized. He touched every ornament when he woke up from his nap.

 

All dressed up for church on the Sunday before Christmas.

 

 

Santa wrote Thomas a letter and let him know that he was on the "good list" this year. That smile lingered for days!

 

 

We made Christmas cookies for Santa and Polar Bear, our elf. Both boys had a great time.