Puddle Jumpin'

Mother Nature must have known how excited the boys were for their new rain boots and umbrellas. It rained and it was 70+ degrees for the last week of December. John and Peter put on their rain gear (and took off their pants) for some puddle jumpin' outside. Henry missed out on the fun because he was serving time in the time-out chair. Just keepin' it real, y'all. Ain't nobody perfect.

A Very Georgia Christmas

The kids were good this year, so Santa was good to them. They each found a pile of toys and books under the tree that they had asked for. Skylanders and Pokemon for Henry. Star Wars, Hot Wheels, and Pirates for John. Elmo, Mickey and Daniel Tiger for Peter. And the Beaufort Bonnet Company for Frances (it's her favorite place to shop). Most of the photos of them tearing into their presents are fuzzy. There was too much excitement to capture much in focus. The keeping room was a toy and wrapping paper disaster in a matter of minutes. And the gifts kept coming from Nanna and Pa. Henry and John had been asking for rain boots and their own umbrellas. And they got a lot of use out of them since Christmas Day was rainy and warm. Frances slept in and opened her gifts last. Or really the boys opened them for her. Nanna made sure that Frances has plenty of girly baby toys to play with, including a Mrs. Potato Head. Frances is also ready for summer with her new bonnets, bubbles, and bloomers.

Each child also received an ornament for the year. Henry got a wide mouth bass since he had his first big catch this year. John got a library ornament since he learned how to read this year after many library visits. Peter got a peanut butter ornament since he eats at least one PB sandwich a day, every day. And Frances got a smiley face since she was born smiling. Henry and John made us some gifts at school.  Henry gave us a self-portrait ornament with his favorite things listed on it.  I'm pretty sure he's the only kindergartener at his school that loves lentils.  John gave us a picture frame with his darling face in it.

After gifts, we had our traditional Christmas breakfast - banana splits and reindeer doughnuts. To no one's surprise, the boys cleaned their plates.

'Twas the Night before Christmas

This was our first Christmas at home in Georgia. It was bittersweet as we missed our family, friends, and traditions in Michigan. But it was nice having Christmas in our own home, and not having to travel with 4 kids under 6. On Christmas Eve, we went to mass. Henry sang in the Angels and Shepherds choir. You'll spot him on the end of the middle row, belting it out. All that singing couldn't keep John awake though. After mass, the boys requested Waffle House for our Christmas Eve dinner. A new tradition perhaps? Peter did not leave one bite of waffle on his plate. Frances might be the first person ever to not enjoy a waffle during their first visit to Waffle House. But she still had a smile on her face. Before bed, we read 'Twas the Night before Christmas, and we left a snack for Santa and his reindeer.