Christmas Day

It has probably been one of the warmest and driest winters I can remember but Christmas morning we woke up to the biggest surprise...snow had finally come and lots of it! The boys could hardly wait to tear open their presents and head outside. It always amazes me how quickly the presents are unwrapped and all of that planning and preparing is over. They both got exactly what they wanted and then some. Once again Brods wanted to play with every toy he opened up and didn't care about the other presents. Luke can hardly contain himself and wants to rip into every present he sees.

This year it was probably a good thing that they were so quick because Uncle Tom decided that 8am was a good time to call home from his mission.  It was so fun to see his cute face and see how happy he is. The boys became close to Tom while we lived there and they definitely miss him. 

As soon as we were done talking to Tom the boys and Mark headed outside to play in the snow. I honestly think Luke was more excited about the snow than his presents. Brody of course decided that it was just too cold outside and wanted to come inside with me and build his race track. The house was an absolute disaster but it was so nice cuddling up by the fire and playing toys with Brods. The snow was magic and definitely made it a Christmas to remember!

Santa Pictures

After the disaster with Santa pictures last year I was determined to have a better experience this year. Luckily Luke didn't puke on Santa again but Brody was not one bit happy about getting his picture taken. Once again I dressed up as Santa and Grammy even came along to help but it didn't matter. He still screamed at us and tried running away. Not sure why he so against these pictures but he is definitely not a fan. By the end of the shoot he came around and put a smile on his face but it wasn't easy.

Even when it came time for the cousin pictures Brods was still protesting. This time Uncle Mitch...one of his absolute favorite people was dressed up as Santa and he was still difficult. I know most moms would have given up but these pictures are some of my favorites each year and when I look at them it makes all the stress worth it! 

Christmas Eve

 

I cannot believe that Christmas Eve is here and all of our celebrating is over. I always stress hope that the boys had a fun December and we did everything they wanted to do. They are both at such fun ages and I don't want them to get grow up.

We had Christmas Eve dinner at my parents' house like we do every year. This year everyone was there and it was a lot of fun. Luke gets so excited over the poppers at everyone's place settings. If you don't pop yours immediately Luke will run over and ask if you want him to do it. By the end of dinner Luke has claimed almost every penny prize that popped out of the poppers. When I see how excited he gets over these funny little toys I wonder why we even spent money on big Christmas gifts.

Of course uncles played a few rounds of Super Smash Bros in between dinner and presents. Luke always joins in and does a pretty good job keeping up but this time Brods wanted in on the action. I loved how content he was with his fake controller...he didn't even push any buttons but he felt like he was one of the guys. 

The boys pajamas this year are so so cute and I couldn't wait for them to put them on. I think it's safe to say though that Luke was a little more excited about his Lego set from Grammy and Papa. The look on his face when he opened it was pure joy. Now if only I had that same look on my face when I have to put the dang thing together. 

Silly Jolly

I know I've said it before but every year I kinda dread Jolly. It's not easy remembering to move him every night, be creative and keep the magic alive for Luke who is constantly questioning everything. However, the joy that I see on their faces every morning when they find him makes it all worth it. They get so excited to run and find him every morning and see what he has been up to! 

I love my Lukers but if there is one thing he struggles with it's thinking before he acts. His little body is always moving faster than his brain and it gets him into trouble. Sometimes at the end of the day we talk about some of the mistakes he has made and what he could do better next time...trying to learn from our mistakes. Each night he would get very nervous and ask if Jolly was going to report that stuff to Santa. He would hurry over and whisper things into Jolly's ear. Sadly, I never could hear what he was saying but he told me he was apologizing to Jolly and begging him to not tell Santa. Luke is a hard kid for sure but he is also so much fun!

Probably one of the cutest things that Mark and I get to witness each Christmas is the magic when the boys say good bye to Jolly each year. When they are finally allowed to give him a kiss and a hug it's pure magic. The joy and excitement on their faces is so special and makes me wish they will never grow up! The holidays are a lot of work but so amazing and worth it because of these cute boys! 

Letters to Santa

Jolly left the boys papers and scented markers to write letters to Santa. Luke was so excited and had a long long list for Santa. After we narrowed it down to two things he got to work. Brods only wanted one thing and he hasn't stopped talking about it...a race car track that goes zoom zoom! 

Luke had told me a few weeks ago what he wanted for Christmas so I went ahead and started shopping...huge mistake. From now on I will make sure letters are done before shopping because they know once letters are mailed there's no going back. Luke had never even heard of a Zoomer Dinosaur before but after he saw one at his friend Madden's house he was determined to get one. I made it very clear that since Zoomer was really expensive he would only get Zoomer and probably not much else from Santa. He had a hard time believing me because he said that Santa has unlimited money. To ensure this theory didn't continue I told him that Mark and I actually send the money to Santa to help pay for his toys and we definitely do not have unlimited money. Kinda nice to get some of the credit from now on...maybe!

When they went to mail their letters Brody had a hard time reaching the mailbox so Luke jumped in to help him. I love this picture of Luke trying to muscle Brody up to the mailbox. Such a sweet big brother! 

After the letters were mailed we went ice skating. It was the boys first experience and I was a little worried how it would go considering I was very pregnant. By the time I got Brods all suited up and ready to go he was exhausted and wanted to just sit on the bench. Luke of course got right out there and attacked it. It amazed me how many times he would take a big fall and pop right back up. Luke is one tough kid for sure. 

Brody finally decided to come out on the ice after he saw Luke having so much fun. I of course had to hold him and couldn't let go or else he would fall. The entire time he kept saying, "Oh mommy look I'm doing it!" However, the second I let go of him he sat down on the ice. Brods had fun but didn't last very long. Luke was not about to be done though. Brody and I sat and watched him for about an hour before I dragged him off the ice because it was dinner time and I was starving. I'm glad that they both had a good experience and can't wait to do it again!