Merry Christmas! And Happy Birthday to our Lord and Savior

Oh today has been the most wonderful day! We have not left the house...lounged around and enjoyed the company of each other. We hope everyone is enjoying the birthday of our Lord and Savior. Here's a little catch up to how our holiday weekend has been spent so far.


Christmas Eve {Thursday}
The local Pump It Up had free play from 9-11 a.m. Emily and I loaded the boys, Patrick and Andrew, for some fun times. When we arrived there were only 4 kids (including our two) so I called up Patrick's main squeeze's mom. They were headed to Kroger to buy groceries and she agreed to drop her off on the way. Mary and Patrick had such a good time together. It was a nice little morning date.
Oh, and Andrew wasn't about to miss out on having his picture taken either. As you can see all three had a blast. Afterwards we all dispersed for lunch and naps...which came easily after two hours of jumping and running around.

Emily and I decided to start a tradition among our families this year. We gathered at our house for some yummy potato soup, honey baked ham, 5 cheese bread, finished off by a homemade cheesecake. Emily's parents, Mrs. Becky and Mr. James, joined us along with Malcolm and his friend Ron. We all enjoyed a fabulous meal. After we were able to pull ourselves from the table, we all settled down to watch the Polar Express (thank you to Netflix & the USPS for Thursday delivery). As the boys became entranced in the movie, Emily and I escaped to the kitchen to whip up some sugar cookie mix for Santa cookies. The boys loved cutting out the cookies and then decorating them once they cooled off.
After Santa cookies were made and decorated, everyone left to try and beat Santa home. Patrick finished up watching the 'train' movie (which is his new favorite). After he settled down and went to bed, Santa arrived, eating some of the yummy cookies and drinking the tasty milk. He left behind the following items for our precious boy - all three of which he asked for - A tower of doom Castle, a digital camera, and a truck.Christmas Day {Friday}

Patrick awoke around 4:30 and came to our side of the house asking to get in bed with us...he was completely oblivious of the lighted tree and gifts left by Santa as he walked past. Matthew and I didn't mention Santa and enjoyed another 3.5 hours of pure bliss aka sleep. Around 8 a.m., Patrick began to stir. We asked him who came last night and he thought for a moment and said "Santa." We asked him if he wanted to get up and see what Santa brought. His answer "Sure." So off we go towards the tree. Matthew asked him to wait in the kitchen so he could film him seeing his gifts. Patrick obliged and as soon as his daddy gave him the cue he came in with a look of pure happiness as he saw that Santa brought him exactly what he wanted. We enjoyed some super yummy cinnamon rolls and playing with the gifts Santa delivered. Later this morning, Miss Mary Everette came over and exchanged gifts with her prince charming. Patrick gave her some pots and pans for her kitchen that Santa delivered, so we had to wait till today. She gave Patrick this cool light doodle by Crayola that he can draw with in the dark.After the Robinsons left, I started a big ol' pot of black eyed peas to cooking using the big ol' ham bone from our honey baked ham last night. So New Year's dinner is half way done and so is supper tonight.

We have totally enjoyed our lazy day together. Tonight after dinner and bath we are heading out to observe some of the beautiful Christmas light displays around town.

Here is hoping that you and your families had a safe and wonderful holiday. Let's all remember the true REASON for the SEASON - OUR LORD SAVIOR. Also, let's remember all of our service men and women who are fighting to protect our freedom and their families as they celebrate this holiday apart.

Merry Christmas!