Fun with Family

We only had one day after Christmas to show Rara and Uncle D. around Charlotte, so of course the kids wanted to show them their favorite place--Discovery Place.

And they had a fun new exhibit that we hadn't been to--Circus! I can't wait to go back and explore more when there are less people.

And then we went back to the orchestra of bears

We listend to them play Christmas songs for over 30 minutes. Bean was completely absorbed.

Bugaboo lasted a few minutes before he started to get silly.

Christmas Day

Pretty exciting stuff! This was our happiest Christmas morning to date--last year wasn't too bad, but it started when it was still very dark out and Buggy was too young to have much idea about what was going on. This year, the kids let us sleep until about 7, and both were VERY excited about their gifts, which made it fun for all of the givers. And Bean was even pretty excited about the gifts she was giving, so that was a nice plus.

Check out the Bean Bag Game from Uncle D! He made this all himself--we didn't know how talented he was! Daddy-o and I are pretty excited about this one as well. I have a lot of practice to do.

Of course, the kids immediately tried climbing and sliding on it.

Now we don't have to wait until trips to the kids museum to play with the train.

My family's traditional Christmas morning breakfast:

It's Super Glam Bean to the rescue!

And the paper pile. . .One of the favorite Christmas traditions:

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

The table setting:

And Bean and Buggy's version of the table setting: Delicious salad, thanks Uncle D!

The rest of dinner--chicken cordon bleu (we cheated here and bought frozen ones--not near as good as my mom's, but considering how crazy our afternoon/evening became with the FedEx fiasco, it was a good move) with a tangy cream sauce, green bean casserole, rice pilaf, and cranberry sauce: The family at dinner--it has been so nice having my mom and Uncle D. here with us. We were glad that we got to share our first Christmas in our new house with them. Bean got to drink from a goblet--big treat!

The final round of Mary and Joseph on their journey. And a new Mary--Bean finally decided she didn't want to be left out.

Then we hung the stockings

And by midnight or so, things were ready for morning.

Christmas Crafts

Rudolph, designed and made completely by Bean: Princess Crown (using these directions):

Prince's crown:

Bugaboo's gangsta' look:

I somehow forgot to take pictures of the bag I made for my mom (and I REALLY liked the fabrics I used, but I have plenty left so I will be making more things with them to show off soon!) or the Menu tile and "Cookies for Santa" plate that I made for my brother and his wife. Guess I got a little distracted by the deadlines and forgot to pull out the camera. But everything turned out great and just in time!

Anticipation

Waiting for Christmas to come proved a bit difficult for these two. But it was cute watching how excited they were getting those last couple days.

We didn't put out any gifts until Christmas Eve day--and then, it was only the couple boxes that had been mailed to us because we knew that they wouldn't be able to keep their hands off. And sure enough, the stacking began immediately. It was nice the Daddy-o's parents sent us two boxes of #10 cans (to start off our food storage) so they were very stackable.

And here's a video with just a little bit of the craziness:

A Not Fun Christmas Tradition

So many Christmas posts waiting to be written, but for now, I'm just nursing myself back to health after a not-so-welcome Christmas present of a cold with an ear infection. Nothing like a Boxing Day trip to the Urgent Care. At least it wasn't a Christmas Day trip to the E.R.

It seems like I've been ill for Christmas more than I should--the case of mastitis two years ago, three years ago was Bean's turn for an ear infection (which was worse for all of us than me having any type of illness), 4 years ago I was in a bad spot with the baby-induced sleep deprivation, 5 years ago was severe morning sickness, 6 years ago was a horrible head cold, and then I know as a kid, I had a sinus infection one year and poison oak another (I was too itchy to get near the fire--only reason that one really stands out.)

I guess my immune system doesn't handle the late nights watching movies and making and wrapping gifts very well.

Oh, and yes, Santa made it this year--Christmas was saved in spite of the people at FedEx (which, BTW, they also managed to deliver only 2 of the 3 boxes my in-laws sent us before Christmas--so the kids got to open more gifts yesterday when the box with their presents finally came about 5 days after the first two.) We won't be using FedEx any time soon.

The Christmas with No Santa

That's what this year is looking like. I am so angry at FedEx right now, but due to 4 phone calls today with contradicting and incorrect information, Santa may not make it tonight with Bean's gift. And yes, our fault for ordering so late. Which was because, our fault, after sanding our kitchen for 3 months, we couldn't stand looking at the sander again to make what we were supposed to be making and so gave in and bought it instead. But STUPID STUPID Walmart and FedEx who advertised 2 day shipping--be there by the 23rd or 24th and then didn't deliver. ARGHHHHHHHHH.

Update: Daddy-o is currently driving down to the closed FedEx facility where supposedly someone is waiting and will be handing him our much needed package. I'm hoping that 5th phone call was more correct and that he will be showing up in half an hour with a big box in the car.

Annual Christmas Breakfast Out

When Bean was a baby, we started the tradition of going out to eat one morning before Christmas (I don't remember doing it the year before, and really doubt that we would have bothered since I couldn't keep anything down that year thanks to the pre-natal Bean). The first couple years, it was a Saturday morning and then we'd go shopping and pick out our ornaments for that year.

Since having a second child, we're just lucky to make it out of the restaurant still smiling. Piggy- backing it with a family trip to the pre-Christmas mall isnt' too appealing. Although Daddy-o and Bean did brave Walmart this morning.

We followed the recommendation of a friend and went to the Toast Cafe in Huntersville and were very impressed with the food--much better than the breakfast chains, and its in a cute, old house (which did seem to be lacking in good heating--I think we'll wait for a warmer morning to go back--today started out around 20 degrees). And we were happy to have my mom and brother join us this year. They've been out here for the last week helping us with last minute Christmas preparations and cooking:)

'Twas Four Days Before Christmas

And all through the house, we were all staying busy, probably even the mouse. The gift wrapping station was cluttered by toys And Mary and Joseph were running from the noise

But the plants were all watered,

The books out to be read,

Christmas cards pouring in (and isn't that card hanger cute--my mom made it, as well as the advent calendar above), And the tree looked half dead. We'd rescued a few breakables And trimmed up the stairs, And are just hoping to sleep so we aren't grouchy bears. . .

How are the preparations going at your house?

Gifts and Goodies

Not too much that can be posted pre-Christmas, but here are a couple crayon rolls:

And slip covers for my couch throw pillows. I bought this material at least 3 years ago to do this and it took all of 15 minutes to make 2. Wonder how long the tree skirt I've been planning since the same time would have taken if I hadn't given up and bought one this year.