Christmas 2015

Making cookies with Gaga

We are so fortunate to have many things in our lives to look forward to.  We talk about the special events, think about how the day will go, and send a lot of good wishes that it all goes well.  Christmas was one of those events - Lincoln was sooooo excited about Santa, presents, our tree, and spending time with family.  I was really looking forward to my family time and Gaga and Baba getting to know the boys again, and I was ready for a two week break from work.  As much as we plan and plan, curve balls can be sent our way and sure enough the boys woke up sick on the first Saturday morning of break.  Runny noses, coughs, and general tiredness and crankiness.  But, we pushed forward, and Christmas turned out to be just fine!

We first celebrated Christmas with Gigi on Saturday.  She came over and gave the boys their presents and then joined us for lunch.  The boys LOVED their new toys and Gigi's company.  We are so lucky to have her nearby, and the boys are really enjoying having a grandparent on a weekly basis.  We are loving all the help she gives us when we need it the most!

My parents came into town that weekend as well, so we traveled to Chillicothe for a family lunch on Sunday.  The boys were starting to really not feel well, but they were able to pull it together for a delicious lunch and some play time with the extended family.  

Mom and Dad came to us on Monday morning.  By this point, the children were pretty down and out.  They were running fevers and just looked miserable.  We spent a lot of time with some quality PBS shows, snuggles on the couch, and still managed to sneak in a trip to the mall, COSI, the zoo, and the park.  Baba and Gaga were troopers when Declan decided to wail for two hours on Christmas Eve (10pm-12am) and then Declan screamed at 3:15am with a final wake-up call from Declan at 5:15am. 

Mom hula hooping at COSI

Sarah and her crew along with Bo and Robin came over for the traditional Christmas Eve.  We ate a lot of food, opened way too many gifts, and enjoyed each other's company.  

Lincoln wrote a note to Santa on Christmas Eve asking for a soccer net, a fire truck, and a hammer for Declan.  He left cookies for Santa and celery for the reindeer.  I was laughing because he wanted nothing to do with the cookies all week until it was time to leave them for Santa and then he couldn't stop eating them - typical Lincoln wanting something that is for someone else!  

Linc woke up on Christmas morning and was sooooo surprised!  He loved his toys and especially loved this track that has two cars that run on their own around the track.  He kicked many balls into the goal, and he helped Declan with his hammer.  Then he noticed the gifts and wanted to open all of those too.  The cars and tracks have already been put away (he got bored after about a week), but his new favorite toy is his firetruck that has a ladder that really moves ("move, Mama, move!")  He also wears his fire hat around the house, and Declan likes to fill it with balls.  Declan enjoys racing his cars, pushing his train, and making music with his new friend - a singing puppy.

We finished out the week with family by getting a little bit better and heading to the zoo with Sissy and Nolan.  Lincoln showed off his favorite spots, and we enjoyed lunch at Panera. 

I was so disappointed that the boys were sick and less than their happy selves, but I know we will all remember this Christmas and it certainly did not disappoint in the magic that is Christmas!