Redneck Babies

The boys have these hilarious fake teeth. I think they were Jeremy's from when he was a kid, but don't quote me on that. I don't think any explanation is needed as to why this is so stinkin hilarious.

Hanukkah

Last week the kids got several packages in the mail from our dear friend Jae and her family. Lucas was pretty heartbroken when we told him he had to wait until Christmas to open them. I emailed Jae telling her about it and she said to let them open them on the first day of Hanukkah. Which was actually the night I got the email. But life got in the way and I forgot. A few days past and I mentioned it to Jeremy. He wasn't really keen on the idea, but I convinced him. The kids tore into their gifts. They each got a game and some superhero pajamas. She must really keep up on the blog, because she knows my kids pretty darn well!

These are in no particular order. And there are a lot, because I'm sure Jae would like to see their cute little faces.

Christmas with Grandpa

After the Science Center we headed to Waverly to have dinner with Mack and Susan. The kids wanted to open their gifts first. The each got a tent that goes on their bed. Lucas got Cars and Benjamin got Toy Story. I think the pictures will give you a taste of their excitement.

Afterward we ate, I tried to stay awake and the kids tried desperately to get the cat out from behind the couch. When it was time to go I actually remembered to get a couple of pictures of the boys with their grandpa.

I have the cutest little boys ever!

Ready and waiting with his warm up dog.

It was a great night. The kids were both asleep within minutes of leaving. We stopped by Jeremy's brothers for a few minutes to see his home improvements and then made the long drive home.

Adventure Science Center

Wednesday we took the kids to the Adventure Science Center. We have an annual pass there, but hardly go. I don't know why we don't because our kids love that place. We had a few hours to play before we were going to head to Mack and Susan's to celebrate Christmas with them.

They had the train exhibit, a favorite for our boys

He really was happy to be there, this is just one of his many "silly" faces

Frosty!!!

Right now one of their exhibits is this "seeing through animal eyes" It was fun. They had a cave to go into, a tree to sit in, a huge nest, logs, grass... all sorts of fun textural things to touch and experience.

We had fun with this raccoon. Remember that scene in Elf where he has just left the North Pole and comes in contact with the raccoon and says "looks like somebody needs a hug!" and then the raccoon attacks him? Yeah well, that is what is going on here. Ha.

I love woodland creatures. Especially foxes, squirrels and owls.

Squirrel fight

Eagles nest. The boys were both less than thrilled to sit in it.

They weren't thrilled when it was time to go, but they were excited to see their grandpa and open presents. Who woulda thought?

Sleeping

These two never fail to amaze me with how they sleep. I have always had horrible sleepers. I partly blamed myself because I let them sleep in our bed and nurse on demand. I basically did everything I wasn't supposed to do. And it never really bothered me until Benjamin was two and still waking up a hundred times a night.

About a month ago the kids were both so tired that I put them to bed at 6:30 instead of the usually 9ish. Holy smokes... Lucas slept 14 hours and Benjamin slept 15. It was so wonderful that I put them to bed early the next night and then continued the pattern. Occasionally they stay up later because of life, and if I know we have somewhere to go, I try to give them a nap. But for the most part they go to bed at 6:30 or 7 and slept for at least 12-13 hours. I'm happy to say that Benjamin is finally sleeping through the night and in his own bed (with Lucas). I find that the nights he goes to bed later than 7:30 or 8 he tends to wake up once or twice.

I love this one. He rolled over and cuddled up to Lucas. But by the time I got back with the camera he had rolled over again. He started giggling in his sleep and I was able to capture his smile.

Gingerbread Houses

It's become a tradition that every year we go to Etta's house a few weeks before Christmas and the kids make gingerbread houses. We usually eat a meal, have desserts and hot chocolate and just sort of lay around.

This year was no different except that we also did gifts with the cousins. Since Shawn (our ex sister-in-law) left Jeremy's brother, things are a bit rearranged. It worked our really well though. We haven't seen the cousins since Easter, and it was nice for all four kids to play again.

The car ride up there about killed my back, so I spent the first hour or so trying not to cry and trying to find a position where the pain would at least ease up on me. Etta was in the kitchen finishing up lunch and helping the kids with their houses. I didn't get very many pictures, since I was on the couch, but got up for a few.

He is so handsome

So is he, even when he is concentrating

After lunch, the kids all had a present or two to open. This was an actual Christmas gift day for the cousins, but not our kids. Etta didn't want them feeling left out, so she got them each a little something too. The big kids however opened gifts from their dad and also from Mack and Susan.

Ben was so excited to open his new Cars 2 play set

So was Lucas! They had SO much fun with these

Before they left I was able to get a couple of pictures of the group. I love these