Christmas

We spent Christmas, this year, by ourselves for the first time. For several weeks now leading up to Christmas, Benjamin has been watching the Polar Express every day. I even took him and Andrew to see a short version at Sea World which Ben loved and still asks to go see it again. We had a nice quiet Christmas, but a little strange because we weren't traveling anywhere and no one was coming to us. We had our big dinner on Christmas Eve. I made a ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, carrots, rolls, and a pecan pie for dessert. Since Andrew was sleeping and Benjamin wanted to play instead of eat it was really just Jon and I, which made it feel no different than a normal night. We taught Ben about setting out cookies and a carrot for Santa and his reindeer. We then read the Christmas story out of the picture bible and Ben headed to bed. In the morning I was in the kitchen starting breakfast when Ben came down. He looked at the tree and then headed to our room where I heard him hop into bed with Jon and then ask where I was. When he came back out and saw me he also saw the plate of cookies was empty and asked where the cookies for Santa was. I told him Santa had come and left presents. He then started to get excited and went over to the tree. Ben would randomly open a few presents, play for awhile and then open a few more. I think it took us over 4 hours to open everything and even then there were 2 more of Andrews presents that weren't open until the next day. Jon and I just gave each other money this year and he asked if I would be sad not opening anything for Christmas. I never understood why my mom would wait to open her presents at Christmas, and now I finally understand. It's all about the kids. Jon did get me a little something to open (a gift card to a spa!), but it was so much fun just watching Ben and his excitement in opening the presents and seeing what he got. The magic of Christmas has changed for me, in a good way.
Benjamin in his Christmas outfit for church from Grandma Andreas. It was a hot day that day so we took the jacket off. Still, so cute!
The plate of cookies Ben set out for Santa. He insisted that he needed a banana and mushroom to go with them.
Benjamin opening his stocking. Unfortunately this year the stocking weren't very full. Santa will need to bring socks and underwear next year to help fill them up.
Benjamin loves his new Penguin. He has gone to bed every night with it since Christmas. The day after Christmas he carried it around the house with him all day.
Andrew filled with so much excitement he can't contain himself. Such a cute baby!
Benjamin playing with his new addition to his train set. He plays with his trains constantly.
All the loot! Santa brought Benjamin the Chutes and Ladders game and Andrew the stacking balls. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Andreas most of the gifts were given. Under the tree would have been pretty sparse if they hadn't been so generous. They also got matching shirts from Grandpa Wood and Carolyn (sorry Carolyn but they will not be wearing them at the same time. Maybe once for a picture for you). They were given money from Grandma and Grandpa Christensen. Grandma and Grandpa Canton sent Ben money and Andrew an outfit. Great Grandpa Wood sent all of us money. And Uncle Cory and Aunt Niki sent gift cards to target. Jon and I got a gift card to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants here from his dad and money from everyone else, which we are still trying to decide what to get with it. Thank you everyone for your generous thoughts and sending us and the boys something for Christmas.

Who's Who?

I was going through some old pictures of Benjamin to see how close he and Andrew look alike. Can you tell them apart? I think it's the eyes that make them look different. Andrew is growing so fast that he's as big in this picture, at 6 weeks, compared to the picture or Ben at 3 months. Still don't know who is who? Ben is the top and Andrew is the bottom picture.

Gingerbread Train

I found this Gingerbread Train at Target last week and thought Benjamin would have fun trying to put it together. He helped me assemble the train and then I put frosting everywhere for him to decorate with candy. I think most of the candy got eaten rather then put on by him. Most of the candy that did land on it was put on by myself. Over the next few days we caught him several times randomly eating the candy off the train. Jon asked if he was suppose to do that. I think he thought it was only for decoration. When I was growing up we would make a Christmas Train and then fill the cars with candy. Maybe that's what we will do next year. I was trying to get a good picture of Ben with the finished product but hence, the goofy picture. If you're wondering, in the last picture, he's giving a thumbs up and high five on a job well done. The things he learns at school.

Free Freezer!

I went to the Grocery store on base yesterday. I had been debating whether to go all the way out there or go to the local store nearby. Since Jon was home studying for boards I decided to head out to the base to give him more quiet time without the kids. I was almost done with the groceries when 2 ladies stopped me and asked if I wanted a freezer. I told them I would love one, but couldn't afford one right now. They then told me it was my lucky day because they were giving it away for free. I asked them what the catch was and they said there wasn't one. I just needed to get it home myself. I debated whether to grab the opportunity or not, wondering what Jon would think. So I said yes. I came home and called a friend to see if I could borrow her van. She was gracious enough and I went and picked it up. It was really weird driving away with a freezer in the back and not having to pay a cent for it. It's a nice one too. I looked it up and this would cost me about $300 if I went out and bought it. I figured I was being blessed for paying tithing and whatever other good things I've been trying to do. Now I just need to fill it up!

Thanksgiving Visitors

With Andrew being born so close to Thanks- giving Jon's mom and Bill came out for the Holiday. We had a big dinner which Lark and Bill made the turkey and fixings to go with it while I made the pies. It was an interesting time cooking and baking since our kitchen faucet broke and the plumber couldn't come until Monday to fix it. But we did survive and spent the rest of the week eating out so we wouldn't have to do dinner. While Grandma and Grandpa Andreas where here we went on several adventures. We went to Sea World, Jon and I went on one of the roller coasters together while I went on the upside down one by myself. I haven't been on a roller coaster for probably 10 years, what a thrill. We also took them to the River Walk and took the boat tour to see it all. We had a great time with them. Thanks for coming to visit and for spoiling us!