Holidaze

We actually had a nice holiday season this year.  It was not too hectic.  Some days leading up to Christmas were quite relaxing and we spent time playing at home.  One day, Patrick used all the colorful blocks to build this:

We met friends at the train station to see Santa Claus one night. 

We chose a Christmas tree together one Saturday afternoon.  We got it home, Jim put the lights on it, and the kids helped decorate it.  Then, it fell over.  Oops.  Luckily, we were able to pick it back up and put it back in the tree stand (more securely this time).  It didn't fall again!

I took Patrick and Charlie to see Santa at the Oakland House one day while Jack was at school.  The Oakland House has become a yearly tradition for us.  We listen to a story and watch a puppet show.  Then, we visit with Santa.  Finally, we get a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie from Mrs. Claus.  Yum!  Both times Patrick sat on Santa's lap this year, he told Santa he wanted a cookie for Christmas, and both times he received a cookie after sitting on Santa's lap.  Patrick also received 3 cookies from Santa on Christmas morning.

Christmas morning was fun!  Jack woke up first and came into our bed for a while.  Jim eventually took Jack downstairs to watch some t.v. while his younger brothers and I slept.  When Patrick and Charlie (finally) woke up, the real fun began!  The boys were excited to see their presents.  Jack asked for a bridge for his Lionel train set, and got it!  Patrick asked for a cookie, and got it!  Charlie wasn't really interested in presents and ended up opening most of them in the days that followed.

Jim playing with one of the kid's dart guns:

Later in the morning, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for brunch.

 The boys were excited, as always, to see their cousins.

 

 Christmas 2012