A couple of days before Christmas, Jeff and my brother, Brett, went up into the hills to find some snow. Isn't it beautiful? I wish we would get some in town, but, alas, we did not have a white Christmas.
We spent the day before Christmas with Jeff's side of the family, unfortunately I didn't get any photos, but we really enjoyed seeing his Grandparents, Mom, and Aunt & Uncle. Christmas Eve was at our house. I made two large pots of soup and lots of appetizers and a salad. It was all very yummy! Ella rocked on her giraffe that Santa brought last year. Santa almost added her to the naughty list, when, a couple days before Christmas, she decided to color with a Sharpie marker all over the hardwood floors, entertainment center, and brick on the fireplace while I was making hot cocoa and Jeff was out doing last-minute Christmas shopping. He decided to give her a pardon this year, being that she is only two. Thank goodness for Google-I was able to get out the Sharpie fast and quick from the wood-a little rubbing alcohol did the trick. The fireplace took more elbow grease, but I got that out too.
Nicholas was feeling joyful on Christmas Eve. He loves to be surrounded by family.
The kids cuddled together on the sofa for a few photos...
Then we decided to make them a bed by the fireplace. Ella is excited for Santa to come!
We woke the kids early on Christmas morning so they could open their gifts before we went to Christmas mass.
After mass we went to my parents' house for a yummy brunch and more gift exchanging. Here are our munchkins all dressed up.
Ella's grandparents spoiled her with a new tricycle. She absolutely loves it!
She did, however, have a bit of a crazy ride when she decided to take it down the stairs. We heard a bump-bump-bump and some crying and went running to see how she was. After a minute of crying, checking for bumps and bruises (and finding none) we determined her to be just fine, thank the good Lord! I swear that child is made of steel.
I didn't ask for much this Christmas, but I did finally get this print framed and cannot wait to hang it.
Jeff got me a new coffee maker. Our old one just wasn't cutting it. It only held 4-5 cups of coffee at a time so we were constantly brewing more. This new one holds 12 cups. Yippee!
Nicholas got a cool remote control Corvette from Uncle Brett that he loves.
Ella got this adorable puppy that barks and jumps around. Much better than a real dog, I'd say :)
Jeff & Eric got Ronix boat jackets from Brett. Twinsies!
My dad was playing with Ella and her new puppy on the stairs...
Notice how Ella is wearing a raincoat and boots in most of these photos? These were a gift from my mom & dad and she LOVES them. She wears both almost constantly!
The kids changed into their new Christmas pajamas after dinner.
This is how I found Ella the next morning...cuddled on the couch watching cartoons wearing her favorite new rain boots.
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