Off to Grandma's House

One of my boys' favorite things in the world is to sleep over at Grandma's house. Now with her living in Nevada those times are few and far between. So they couldn't wait to get over there when she was back in town for Christmas. Asher has only had this privilege a few times so to say he was excited doesn't quite explain it.  I wish she still lived closer as the boys miss spending so much time with her.

Christmas 2013

Our boys love Christmas but they love sleep more. We have had to wake them up every year on Christmas morning so far. It does give us an opportunity to get up and ready so we feel more prepared to give them a great morning. And I would take well rested kids any day so I say let them sleep!

When they finally opened their little eyes they rushed out to find Santa's gifts and stockings. The boys wasted no time opening their gifts. They were pretty excited about their gifts and were almost equally as excited about each others gift too. They are so

 Our next adventure as always was my side of the family. Christmas at Aunt Lynne's house. There is always alot of people. Alot of breakfast. Alot of kids ripping wrapping paper as fast as possible, from gifts that are theirs and some that are not. And plenty of healthy competition when it comes to our White Elephant game. If you're not stealing, you're not playing. That's my opinion!

 In a twist this year we hosted the Barry christmas at our house. I was a little worried since our house isn't really the ideal size for a big group but we crammed chairs and folding tables in all the nooks and crannies and hoped for the best. Dave put on the ham that morning and all the sides were made the day before and were all ready for the oven. It surprisingly worked out great. Opening gifts was a little chaotic, but it is that way no matter where and how big your space is. :) I am happy to say that I would be wiling to do it all over again next year!

Astro the Elf

 Astro and his crazy antics were back for 2013. The boys always love him and finding out what he has been up to the next day. Here are a few of the funny places we found him this year....

On his final night at home he always makes snowflakes to lead the boys to their presents from Santa. It always is such a cheery addition to our Christmas decorations! 

Christmas Card 2013

Every year our Christmas card seems to stress me out but year after year I love it once it is finished and I can't wait to get to do it again the next year. The day we finally photograph for the card though is always super stressful. This day was no different. I wasn't even sure we would be able to do it after it seemed like everything was in the way, including Asher getting so sick and not looking like himself with swollen eyes and a red nose.

But finally the day came and since I already had the idea I got to work in Photoshop. A couple days later they were off in the mail. This year we went with comedy and it definitely is one of my favorites!

Adopt-A-Family

 This Christmas my friend Jennie told me about how she adopted a family this holiday season from a local domestic violence shelter. I quickly decided I wanted to adopt a family as well. Our family had a mom and three kids, a boy (14) a girl (11) and a little girl (7). I got there wishlists and knew I wanted to give them a special Christmas. The boy asked for one book, a nice sweater to wear to school, and book recommendations because he loves to read. Really, what teenage boy asks for books and sweaters. The email from the director also made it a point to mention how awesome this boy was, polite, appreciative, and an all around great kid. I knew exactly what he needed! A Kindle (and of course a nice sweater to wear to school). The middle girl wanted band merchandise from all her favorite bands. I had a great idea! An Ipod shuffle in green, her favorite color. And the little girl was a One Directioner and asked for the oh so popular loom kit. It was so much fun buying stuff for them! I wish I could have seen their faces when they opened their gifts but mostly I hope they enjoy the excitement and it helps them disappear their reality for at least a little while.

Asher wasn't as excited as me to be shopping for our adopted family but I am sure he will come around in future years. :)

Dave was trying to escape the camera carrying the 1D pillow. He does look like the type to be a Directioner doesn't he?!

Decoration Day!

We always look forward to putting up our tree right after Thanksgiving. That weekend we went out and found a tree that was just the right size. After the annual struggle of putting the tree in the stand and making sure it was straight, it was time to decorate! Jaxson was better this year than any other at trying to distribute the ornaments on all different branches. Asher was improved at doing the hanging from last year, but is in the phase of putting all the ornaments on the same branch or in the same general area until it was hanging to the floor and eventually all the ornaments falling off. He did start to get the hang of it but was pretty quick so our tree was well decorated around the bottom. :)

They were proud of their work in the end and ready to start seeing some gifts under there! :)