Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas in Minnesota this year.  We couldn't have asked for it to be any whiter (check out the amount of snow we had in the picture below!) Santa certainly spoiled us this year, along with Auntie Kelli and Oma and Opa and Grandaddy and Grandma and the Grandsmiths and the list goes on...Thank you to everyone for all your fantastic gifts.  We have had SO much fun with everything!!

On Christmas Eve, we dressed the boys up in their finest and headed to Church.  This Christmas Eve service was doubly special because our bitty baby Leyton played the part of Baby Jesus during the service.  He did a great job and was a big hit!  I warned Mary that he might spit up on her, but he managed to keep his esophageal sphincter closed for the trip up the aisle and around the front of the Church before getting Mama good all down her nice sweater! He made a perfect Baby Jesus.  What a cutie!

All decked out in his "swaddling clothes," a pillowcase!

Brody sprinkled reindeer food around on the snow before we left for Church, and when we returned we left out cookies and hot cider before heading to bed.

Santa and his reindeer must have been pleased with our snacks because they left quite a spread to be discovered on Christmas morning.  This Christmas was the most fun yet as Brody was super excited about everything.  The look in his eyes when he came down the stairs and saw everything under the tree was just priceless.  But, the funniest thing is that I think he was more excited about the candy in his stocking than any of his toys.  The little things, huh?  He was happy to open the first couple of presents, but then he was so excited with what was in them that he just wanted to play with them instead of opening more.  It took a good hour and a half to get through everything!

Time for pizza!  Brody couldn't wait to start cookin'.

I think Daddy wanted to take these fun toys for himself!

Yay!  A Peter Rabbit DVD!  Thanks Finn and Aidan!

Brody's new wheels

A new book from Granddaddy and Grandma...this little construction man can't get enough!

We headed to the GrandSmiths house for lunch and more presents that afternoon.  Brody was thrilled with his new construction vehicles and puzzles.  They kept him busy all afternoon, so busy that Mommy and Daddy got to sneak out to a movie while he played with Grandma and Grandpa.  He is one lucky boy!  

What's in here, Grandma?  Let's find out!

He loves his puzzles!

Leyton enjoys his new playmat from Santa

It was truly a memorable Christmas and we are very thankful for the gift of family to share it!