A princess and two small kings: January 2008

Well, we survived another Christmas. Of course, now the kids have way too much stuff again (well, they already had too much stuff, now they just have more). Haley's already asking when it's going to be Christmas again. I still have to take down my tree and the things outside. It's just too cold!

The Christmas weekend started with Nanny, Papa Perry, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Lorriane, Uncle Robert and Aunt Cheryl driving up from San Antonio. They went to Uncle Bill and Aunt Edna's for dinner, then Nanny and Papa Perry stayed here. Haley was still awake (even though she had been in bed for an hour or so!) when they got here, so she got to say hello.

The next morning, Nanny and Papa Perry took Haley to church with them in the morning and then to lunch at Aunt Edna's. James and I took the boys to do some last minute Christmas shopping. We went to the mall where they had a little train that the kids could ride. We figured Eli would love it since he loves all things trains. Well, he did, until we went around the first pass and saw Daddy standing there and us "chugging" away! He cried the whole time!

That night, we went over to Uncle Richard and Aunt Deline's for dinner. The kids had fun playing and watching the "real" Grinch, as Haley called it.

That night was also a big change for Eli. When he woke up from his nap that afternoon, he had bit the tip off of his last paci!!! I really didn't want to go out and buy a new one. So we decided to try him and see how he did. We didn't end up putting him to bed until around 9, so he went straight to sleep! The next nap time, he did go to bed, but had to have two of his trains with him. (he had gotten a present from Granddaddy and Grammie of a train set when they came to visit right after Thanksgiving) From then on, he has slept without his paci, but with any number of trains! Since Blake won't take one, we are now a paci free house! :)

Christmas Eve, Nanny and Papa Perry took Haley and Gracie shopping and we just hung around the house with the boys. I got our presents wrapped and everything ready for dinner at the house that night. When they got back from shopping, we started getting everything cooked. We decided to open presents first, then eat. So, there was the usual chaos that comes with 4 kids opening presents at the same time! But it was a lot of fun.

Christmas morning, Haley beat us up, unfortunately! James actually had gotten up to go wake her and bring her and Eli down, but she and Nanny were already up. Nanny tried to keep her from the Santa stuff, but Haley's too nosey! So, once we got Eli's diaper changed, we started showing off all the presents! The first thing Eli saw was the train table and I don't think he noticed anything else for a good hour! He played with it and the trains forever! Haley was super excited about the REAL camera she got and her princess books. Blake was just happy with a clean diaper and something to eat!

After presents, we headed to Aunt Edna's for brunch. The kids had fun playing with Haley's camera and Eli's dress up trunk (with a fireman, policeman, pirate and cowboy dress up clothes). We had a nice time with the family, then everyone headed back home (be that Sachse or San Antonio).

After cleaning up toys and having a nap, we opened the packages that Grandma and Granddaddy in NC had sent. There was more craziness and lots of great presents. They had a blast playing for a few more hours, then it was bedtime!

Finally, a week or so later, we had things *somewhat* organized. There are still things to put away, but I guess we are trying to hold on to Christmas a little longer! It was a wonderful time and we thank everyone for the gifts. We look forward to a blessed new year and hope that you all have a safe and wonderful 2008!!

Here's some pictures from Christmas.

Here's Grace, Daniel and Haley. We didn't plan on them wearing the same color! Daniel looked cute because he had just lost his other front tooth that morning! So, yes, all he wanted for Christmas was his two front teeth!