Snack time

This is the equivalent of a kid being caught in the candy jar.



Joshua is stealth, delving into the Cheeze-it drawer while we were focused on something else. He's resourceful!

Christmas 2009

We are swimming in toys and the kids don't mind it at all.



Despite the mounds of packages all around us, some opened, some not, Michael still manages to get this zinger in. "Mommy, what can I do?"



We put him to work in the kitchen.



Look at him put his whole back into making holiday cookies. It is a tradition with Grandma that the boys just adore.




We were lucky enough to see everyone once again this holiday season. Grandma and Grandpa paid a visit. The boys had a marvelous time. And boy did they keep Grandma and Grandpa busy! The baby alone will wear you out!



We visited with our "family" in the neighborhood--Kathy & Natalie.




Before that, Uncle Tim, Amah and Akong stopped by for Christmas smiles. You might not be able to tell from these photos, but Michael was quite thrilled by the visits. Really.




We did enjoy a bit of time out and about this holiday season. We took the boys to their first hockey game in town. Joshua paid no attention to the action on the ice whatsoever. But at least he was warm.




And, of course the season wouldn't be complete without a Christmas program. Here's a look at Michael's part. The actual program is a blur to him now. The only memory he has of the program is of the cookie he got to eat at the end. Here's to a happy holiday season, with sweet treats, for all of you!

One size fits all

This is the first Christmas where the boys are actually buying gifts for each other. Don't get me wrong. They can't wait for Santa's arrival. They seem to think the Jolly Old Guy has endless pots of cash, by the way. But, it's so cute. They are getting things they believe the other will enjoy.

They are using their own money for these purchases, going to the store with one of us, and wrapping the presents themselves.

Today, Michael told me he would buy me a sweater one day, when he got big and had more money.

He knows he wears a size 4T. So he asked me, "Mommy, how old are you? What size are you? Are you a 37T?"

So earnest.

And I know the next time Michael is at the store, he will be looking for just the right size.

Relaxing

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and the most hectic, it seems.

But the boys are taking it all in stride.

Thank goodness for our electronic babysitter.



On this day, with the help of "iCarly", I was able to pull together a yummy chicken alfredo dish.

Jason, Michael, and especially Joshua are fascinated with the lights of the season. We have put up the Christmas tree, bulbs are twinkling outside. We are definitely in the Christmas spirit. Did I tell you Jason's list of wants is four pages long?

Only Joshua is unaware of what the big day will bring. He's just thankful for the low-hanging fruit, you know, ornaments that are within his line of sight.



How about this for a chance encounter?

We took the boys to a holiday festival a couple of weeks ago. We left before Jolly Old Saint Nick could ride down the street in his horse and carriage.

On our way to the minivan, we saw him! And, he saw us and came straight to us, bearing sweets. And, he was driving a minivan, too!!!

The boys were speechless and smiling.



Merry Christmas!!!