Christmas Snapshots

It was a good Christmas for us.

Ryan had a 24-hour stomach bug on Monday night into Tuesday, so we were both afraid that the rest of us would end up sick at Christmas.  Thank goodness he didn't pass it to anyone that we know of, and we were all pretty healthy for Christmas Eve and Christmas.

We took some pictures, but we tried not to worry about photos too much and just enjoy being together.  In general, we made a conscious effort to simplify the holiday hoopla.  Santa's list was a little more modest, our outfits weren't actually planned ahead of time (something I certainly don't need to think about as much as I may have done in the past),and we weren't as wrapped up in keeping/ creating tons of traditions.  I know I loved our simpler Christmas, and I loved being together.  We were merry, for sure.

We visited Santa at Bass Pro Shops the Sunday before Christmas.  Not the smiliest Santa pictures, but pretty good- and Brady lit up to see Frosty and Rudolph.  Anderson was not so sure about them.

Nannie and Papa

Per usual, Christmas Eve with the Ives.  Ryan worked a half-day, boys napped, then church, lots of presents and dinner with the Ives and Hammitts at Nannie and Papa's house.

Christmas morning...

You can barely see it, but that violin was one of Anderson's favorite gifts for sure.  He said, "I love it!" and then every present left to open, he said, "What instrument is in here?"

Anderson wanted to put his Nationals shirt on right away so he "could rock and roll." (??)

Brady loved his Paw Patrol pups and cars and lookout.  Paw Patrol is new to us, but has immediately become both boys' favorite thing. Mommy and Daddy got him started with some toys, and Santa added in a DVD and book to go with them.

And last, earning the biggest giggles/ squeals of excitement... the Thomas Trackmaster Castle Quest.  I love/hate it.  The trains definitely need some help staying on the track after a little while, but Anderson is pretty much able to manage that himself.  Having three trains (one for each boy) running at a time makes it fun but more problematic!

... and Christmas Day with the Hardens.  Grandma, Lauren and Kyle were a great bonus!  (Don't know why the dads didn't make it in hardly any of the pictures!)

Lots to open!

Buddies :)

Since pedaling isn't his thing so far, trying out a balance bike.

Pretty weather got us outside Christmas day...

                 

Blurry but cute of Brady and Lauren spinning.  He loved it!

A new big boy baseball tee and glove were Anderson's presents from Mommy and Daddy this year.  The box had a grown man on the front, so he should definitely be able to use it for years to come!

Then, our new tradition- ChristmasTown at Bush Gardens a few days after Christmas with the Ives, who celebrate their anniversary (12/30) in Williamsburg each year.  We love the trip, and I think it will become an even bigger treat for the boys as they get older.

Anderson catching the fake snow at the North Pole. :)

Nannie and the boys in their PJs. :)

Here's to a wonderful 2015!