christmas 2014!

Our whirlwind Christmas is finally wrapped up and we (well most of us) had a great time!  Every year I think, "this has to be the most fun age for Christmas with Colin," and this year I really think it was.  There is nothing like the enthusiasm of a five year old boy to get you in the spirit.  

He started the day by storming our room like the FBI at 6 am wanting to know if Santa came.  We released him to go check downstairs, and he came back 45 seconds later with a full report on how many cookies had been consumed, where the stockings were, whether they were full, etc.  We could barely contain him, so we headed down to open stockings.  You will note that it is still pitch dark outside.  

Surprisingly Chacha couldn't sleep through the commotion so she came down too.  Since she can't really eat candy yet she found puffs in her stocking.  And proceeded to eat almost the entire thing at 6 am.  Great start to the day.

MINION!  (she was enthralled to get two more from Uncle Adam for a set which she is now taking everywhere with her.  So funny).

This is around the time of the morning where we lost Grandma Pat to a very unfortunate bad spill down our stairs :( .   Poor Grandma spent the whole morning at the ER and came home with a broken arm.  We hope you feel better soon and are so sorry that you missed all the festivities.  We tried to hold the kids back but finally relented and they opened our presents, saving most of Grandma and Grandpa's for when they returned so they could at least see them open some!

These kids were spoiled, but both were so happy and having so much fun with their new toys, it was worth it.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle PJs, mask and weaponry made for a very happy little boy.

Charlotte's sit and spin was a big hit!

My two children together are still under the weight limit for this toy.  I do feed them.

Charlotte's Lion toy from Grandma Pat and Grandpa Ron, and "Big Baby", which Grandma and G gave her, also have been going for spins.

the only picture I got with either of my kids all day...

Princess castle from Grandma Pat and Grandpa Ron was a hit with both kids.  

Loving his mini foosball table and has been challenging everyone to matches.  Claims he will soon be able to beat Uncle Adam.  Challenge accepted?

Lady dressing up in her new shoes and jacket and carrying empty gift bags around like purses.

We headed over to Grandma Kitty and G's for some more family time, food and more presents.  These two were actually pretty good and patient!  How cute are they?

By this point, Colin has perfected ripping open his gifts...

... and offered his services to Charlotte as well...

and Zoe...

The weather was even good enough for running around in the yard without coats on.  Can't beat that for Christmas!

Other than Pat's fall, we had a great Christmas and it was nice to be able to see and spend time with so many friends and family for the past few days.  Hope everyone's Christmas was Merry!