It's A Wonderful Life

We stayed home this year for Christmas.  We didn't get to pack up and head to Washington, D.C., Ohio, or Florida.  Being a nurse has the occasional drawbacks, and having to work holidays tops the list.  But, we ended up having a nice time in Texas, and although it didn't snow, it was chilly enough to light a fire and snuggle up under some blankets. 

I asked Justin to bring his guitar to sing Christmas songs.  This is like many other situations in my life, my imagination is far better than reality.  My boys were grumpy and in desperate need of a nap. I think we barely sang two versus from 'We wish you a Merry Christmas' before the meltdowns occurred.  Gavin kept crossing his arms defiantly, saying, "I don't yike dat song!"

 

Harrison was so excited to see all the presents under the tree.  He said he thought he had heard Santa Claus the night before dropping off the presents.  

 

Harrison was designated 'Santa's helper' and was given the job of passing out the presents.  This lasted maybe fifteen minutes until he was only picking out 'Harrison presents.'  "Oh, look, here's another one for me!!"

 

Bend at your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs.

Gavin opened a total of SEVEN costumes! He was in costume overload.  He would barely get on one before he was changing into another.  Sometimes he even layered different pieces, creating such heroes as 'Batman America!'  It was quite entertaining.  

 

 

 

 Again, these pictures weren't taken over the course of hours, he did all this in a matter of thirty minutes!

Justin and Dixie

Uncle Alex was woken up a little earlier than he anticipated.  He made up for it with an afternoon nap.

We thought we were a 'shoe-in' giving Dad these Miami-white shoes.  He seemed to need a little more convincing.  

Harrison's favorite gift was the newly-made game room.  We told Harrison his Play Station had broken so we called Santa to send his elves to come get it so it could be fixed by Christmas.  He even received a message from Uncle Justin Santa Claus letting him know he was going to try really hard to get the Play Station fixed and under the tree by Christmas morning.  Harrison kept looking under the tree for a 'rectangle box' because "that's the shape, yep, Mom, it's rectangle, do you see a rectangle?"  All the presents had been opened and no rectangle box had been found.  We made him close his eyes and guided him into the new game room.  A wrestling mat for the boys, all the toys moved from the bedroom and living room, a new t.v. with a hooked-up Play Station!!  He was beyond excited!

Gavin enjoyed discovering what each box held.  Two cubes just for his beloved costumes.  

 

Uncle Alex brought his latest and greatest pet, a baby caimon alligator he named Darth Gator.  Gavin was fascinated with this baby. He kept growling at him trying to intimidate this little creature.

A little scared to touch him with his hand, so a foot would do just fine.

Those teeth are little, but pointy and strong.  My brother is crazy with what he considers a 'pet.' 

It was a lovely Christmas filled with memories and love. Next year, beanie baby with be with us adding to the excitement and laughter of the family.  It's what it's all about.