Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014 was a whirlwind as usual.  It began the weekend before when we celebrated with Brian's family.  Here are a few family photos in front of Janet & Vinnie's Christmas tree:

And a photo of the full group where almost everyone looks good (Evan looks like a deer in headlights):

Cousins in front of Nana & Papa's Christmas tree:

Morgan and Caylee:

Trying to get a photo with the Nana & Papa . . . but Eric did not want to cooperate:

We returned home and Brian took the boys to the pool on Christmas Eve.  Lily sleeps on these steps all of the time so the boys decided to take a rest with her while they waited for their dad to get ready for the pool:

Fast forward to Christmas morning. I snuck downstairs while it was still dark to get these photos after Santa came:

Eric's pile:

And Evan's pile:

The full tree, though we had a small patch out of lights smack dab in the middle:

All Evan wanted from Santa was a soccer ball and Santa came through:

Eric opening presents:

After he opened Olaf, he said "Olaf likes warm hugs" and gave him the most genuine hug:

Evan & Brian after the presents were opened:

And the big surprise gift was their very own gator.  I couldn't get a good picture of both at the same time, so the first photo perfectly captures Evan's joy, while the second one shows Eric's:

The aftermath from above:

After everything was opened and they had some time for indoor play, we moved outside to test out the gator:

I love this next one.   Eric still needs to work on his steering because he ended up in the bushes when he was driving and has been afraid to try driving again.  

After this, we headed to Cranford to celebrate with my family.  Unfortunately, much to my mom's dismay, I forgot to bring my camera there.  So I don't have any pictures - oops!  We had a great time celebrating with the Smisco side on Christmas day and then opening presents with my family on the 26th before returning to West Chester later that night.

A Christmas Miracle

The last time my children agreed to go anywhere near Santa, each of them was 6 months old.  Here was Evan before the fear took over:

And Eric looking totally content:

After this, Evan was so fearful of Santa (or anyone in costume, really) that I knew we couldn't even attempt  it . . . not unless I wanted Santa going home bruised and beaten.  And I didn't have it in my heart to force them to get what I'm sure would have been a hysterical picture of them screaming.  Evan was so truly full of fear that we didn't attempt it.  So on Sunday, when we went to the mall for dinner, we casually mentioned we might be able to visit Santa.  Eric was saying he'd be willing to stand next to Santa for a picture and I would have happily taken that.  We waited about 30 minutes in line and, right before it was our turn, Santa took a quick break and came over to the kids in line and gave them high fives.  I couldn't believe it when Evan reached his hand out and high-fived Santa!  So we got to our turn and, while they wouldn't sit there themselves, they actually agreed to take the picture if we sat there too.  So Brian and I snuggled in on Santa's lap and took quite the comical photo.  On top of that, Evan did tell Santa that he wanted a soccer ball for Christmas.  Fingers crossed that Santa brings him a soccer ball!

I have to say I've never been as excited for Christmas since I was a child as I am this year.  The kids are truly into the season and seeing their faces on Christmas morning has me giddy with excitement.  On top of that, only 4 days of work until I'm on vacation until 2015!

3rd Annual Christmas in NYC Tour

This weekend marked the third annual trip to NYC to see the Christmas decorations.  After rain postponed our plans for Saturday, we were up and out very early on Sunday to head into the city and see the sights.  Nana, Deedee and Morgan joined us.  Morgan and Eric had never been to New York City before and everyone was so excited to go.  We got into NY by 8:15 AM so that we pretty much had the place to ourselves for the first hour or two.  Here we are at the Macy's:

Nana and Morgan at one of the windows:

Brian and Eric looking at the windows:

The crew:

Brian, Eric & I:

My mom and I:

Felt family at Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree:

Deedee and the family at the tree:

 Now Nana, Morgan and the Felt family at the tree:

After stops at American Girl Doll Store & FAO Schwartz, a Tony Bennett sighting and a pizza lunch, we headed over to Central Park to do some rock climbing.  The three kids had a blast:

Eric was loving it:

These two cousins are such good friends:

All three kids waving:

Too sunny for Eric's eyes to be open:

The walk back from Central Park brought us through Times Square so Morgan could see the sights there.  Everyone got to pick out a souvenir.  And by the time we got back to the car, we had one man down:

In total, we walked more than 4 miles!  The kids were very well behaved and we all had a good time  . . . and everyone will be in bed early tonight.  

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas

We returned from Elmira on Saturday at 1:30 and by evening, our tree was being set up.  Evan was very into the decorating this year.  He loved helping out and especially loved climbing the ladder to help decorate:

Pictures in the reflection of the mirror: 

Now helping Brian:

And the next day, it was all done and time to snuggle with Lily in front of the tree:

Eric didn't really want to help decorate, but he was happy to have his picture taken by the tree:

Eric's absolute favorite ornament is this Lightening McQueen that he's pointing to.  He looks at it whenever he can:

And on Sunday evening, we headed to Longwood Gardens to check out their holiday display:

I'm beginning to think we may never get a perfect family photo . . . but we'll keep on trying!

What was even cuter was Evan asking if Santa was going to come on the day we set up the tree.  He is so excited for Christmas this year, which means I am even more excited for Christmas this year.  25 days and counting!