Christmas Eve&Christmas Morning 2013

December 2013
Isaiah 3.75 years old, Johnjohn-2 years old

    Growing up, in my family, Christmas Eve has always been a big celebration.  Whether it is having a big meal with extended family or playing board games into the late evening we were all about celebrating on Christmas Eve.  Unfortunately Jaime had to work late into the evening this year but the boys and I made the best of it.  I let the boys take a "huge" bubble bath in my jacuzzi tub, we baked cookies for Santa in our Christmas pjs and then chose our favorite ornaments off the Christmas tree.
    Isaiah had already received his Jungle present from Santa (he decided to deliver it early when my parents were here) so he received a transformer.  Jonathan received his very own Buzz from Santa. Jonathan's reaction was priceless when he came down and saw that Santa had ate all but one of the cookies.  "Ahhhhh man," he lamented.  And then he proceeded to help himself to Santa's scant leftovers.
    They were very happy and excited to go up to Grandma Betty's house to eat Bosole (soup) for breakfast after opening their gifts.  Then it was home for naps and then another full evening of dinner and presents with the Torres side of the family.

December 2013 "Oh WHAT FUN!" (Overall)

DECEMBER 2013
    This has been a magical Christmas season with the boys. From having them ooooooo and aaaaaah over the outdoor Christmas lights, to happily participating in moving the candy cane forward on our Advent Calender, to making sure the lights on our tree were aglow at all times, oh what fun!
    When the countless toy magazines started to arrive in the mail, I gave them to the boys, explaining to them Santa would bring them one gift of their choice.  Isaiah came across a jungle set in one particular magazine and the search was over.  He always had to know where his magazine was so he could religiously study each piece.  And study it, he did.  On one of our biweekly visits to Toys R Us we came across a Jungle Set, but Isaiah was adamant that it was not his.The safari truck in "his" Jungle Set was a different color and had stripes. Sure enough, he was right.  And the two times we went to meet Santa, he had that magazine page in hand.  Jonathan wasn't quite there, with honing in on a gift, but they both honed in on making it onto Santa's good list.  One mention of them getting put on the naughty list and they were back to behaving.  
    My favorite memory of  Christmas 2013 will be our little family of four cruising down Christmas Tree Lane (a 2 mile stretch of some 140 homes and 300 trees decorated with Christmas lights).The boys were allowed to get out of their car seats and excitingly climbed to the very back of our car to gaze out at the lights.  Once situated they sat upon a large box I conveniently had in the back, (side by side) gazing out the back window in fascination. If I could of froze that moment in time, I would have. Oh what fun!  

-My Parents and Brother came down for an early Christmas visit in mid December, so this is us celebrating the Holiday with them.

December 2013

December 2013
Isaiah 3.75 years old. Johnjohn 2 years old

    As much testosterone as my boys have pumping through their veins I LOVE it when they show their softer sides.  It melted my heart to see them playing "dolls" one December afternoon.  I could see into the future what remarkable fathers they will be.
    December was also great for snuggling up on the couch with a warm blanket and enjoying our favorite Christmas movie this year (Curious George Christmas) with our favorite afternoon snacks (chocolate milk and popcorn).

"Mickey babies!"

Jonathan still in his pajamas because he insists on wearing them all day, and some days why not?!?

Isaiah giving baby Mickey a pretend bottle.

Jonathan INVESTING some serious time with his little one:)

Showing baby Mickey all the Christmas ornaments (something we do together often:)

Getting COZY on a cold, December afternoon.  Watching Curious George Christmas for the 100th time!

They have loved sitting with the Christmas Tree, lights all aglow (see reflection in window).