Wednesday, December 30, 2009

See you in 2010!



We're off to Big Sky for a few days of skiing and a little "unplugged" (no internet or television!) getaway before we jump into the new year. Have a fun celebration and we'll see you in 2010!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Recap

Way too many pictures later, I'm ready to wrap up Christmas 2009. The tree and decorations will still be up for another few days, but I'm about pictured-out of the holidays, so here's the unloading of my favorites from Christmas day.



Hayden and Benjamin's sleep schedules are a little out of sync. Ben is up around 7 or 7:30 a.m. but then goes down for his morning nap around 8. Hayden often doesn't wake up until 8:30, sometimes even 9. So, when Hayden woke up, he had quite a bit of time to dive into all the Christmas fun while his brother was napping. We usually start with the stockings, but when Hayden came to the bottom of the stairs, he had to walk right past the living room (which contained all the treasure!) and wouldn't leave for about 45 minutes. We had to tear him out of the room to even come eat breakfast!







When Benjamin did awake, he was in a jolly good mood. . .



. . . and quickly got lessons from his brother on what this present-opening thing was all about. We diverted Hayden from the Christmas tree and set them both down to dig into their stockings together.









Then it was back to the tree dig into the remaining mountain of boxes.
















There were plenty of planes, trains, and automobiles unwrapped around here!





Hayden wanted to unwrap every box he found, whether it was for him or not. He didn't insist on keeping the contents of every package, he just wanted to unwrap it. Benjamin didn't mind the help, but we had to distract him later so that Mom and Dad could open their own gifts (I must admit, I love ripping into a wrapped package. . . and Hayden had plenty of his own so I felt no need to share mine with him!)



Benjamin was happy as long as Hayden passed the paper along to him!



This was certainly a 21st century Christmas, with plenty of video taping. . .



. . . and skype-ing (and photographing, too)!





And, as always, the furry members of the family had some presents, too.




(told you--Hayden had to help with all the packages!)





And some brief photographic evidence of my existence in the family. . .







We certainly are blessed in so many ways--having a lovely, warm house to spend Christmas day in, a loving family to spend it with, and thoughtful gifts from those near and far, who are near and dear to us. We got so many wonderful things, but if I had to pick a favorite, this is definitely a contender. . . Rich's hat.



Not just his hat, but the fact that my mom found coordinating ones for Hayden and Benjamin, too. That is one adorable set of hats and boys that I have in my life!



Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

A few of my favorite things. . .

Rich volunteered to watch the kids this afternoon so I could go out and play. I headed across the street with my skis and my camera, breathing in the cold, fresh winter air with a smile on my face.



The sun's warm, late afternoon glow helped to compensate for the 10 degree air. My poor toes, though, suffered a case of frost nip and had a pretty painful warm-up once I came home. A small price to pay for enjoying some solitude doing some of my favorite things. You can't beat a sunshine-filled winter day!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to all. . .

Just a few to share from the most wonderful day of the year!





Hayden got to inspect the tree and open a few packages while Benjamin was taking his morning nap. Once Ben woke up, his older brother was more than happy to show him what this Christmas present thing was all about!





Even Maggie got in on the action!



After some brief instructions from Hayden, Benjamin had it down!









More to come, but for now we simply say. . . and to all a good night! Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

'twas the night before Christmas. . .

. . . and a baby looked cute.





. . . giving smiles to Dad.




. . . the family posed by the tree for a self portrait.



. . . a little boy left cookies and milk for Santa.



. . . and despite drowsy eyes, wanted to wait for Santa to come down the chimney.