Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Christmas 2013

The boys got very spoiled this year. I think we will certainly have to step things back next year so their Christmas expectations don't get too high. Kristin and I "remodeled" a Thomas the Train table we got from my sister's family. We basically re-enforced it, painted it and cut a new top and glued on tracks. The plan was to make multiple tops, like a Lego top, but that may have to wait until an upcoming birthday or something. They also got an easel and some miscellaneous toys and books. I am happy to say the boys seem to love the train table, but it also often results in fighting between them.

The boys also received bikes from Grammie and Bampa. Cole got a used Specialized Hot Rock bike and Henry got a new Huffy Spiderman bike. Luckily, Cole didn't seem to notice that his was used and Henry isn't aware of the difference between Huffy and Specialized brands.

I think their favorite presents may be Henry's J19 Jumbo Jet and Cole's Wind Scorpion. The boys basically didn't want to put their respective planes down after receiving them from Great Grandma and Grandpa. 

The most exciting present, judging from Cole's reaction, was certainly the camouflage pants from Grammie and Bampa. He was so excited when he saw them, he opened the present and instantly shook with joy and yelled "Camo Pants! Just what I wanted!" We were all surprised the pants were such a hit.

Sadly for the boys, there were a couple presents that they apparently did not show enough interest in, so Kristin snatched them up and put them in a return pile. I felt it a little harsh as the decision to return the gifts was after one day. Not really much of a chance to play with all the new toys.

Christmas Eve (with the Fuchs family):


Henry was getting a lot of snacks, as you can see (a cookie for each fat little hand).

So many, in fact, he was made to wear a sign stating, "Do not give me any cookies/candy." Poor guy. The sign was later put on his back unknowingly because he got so upset.

Christmas (at home):

The refurbished train table.

The setup

Judging from the carrot scraps, apparently the reindeer were in our house or Santa is a liar and ate the carrots himself.  Upon seeing this in the morning Henry said, "I WANT those crumbs!" We know buddy, we know. 


Henry found this in his stocking. He had it opened and a bite of it within a blink of an eye.










Sorry Cole. You should have looked happier. RETURN! No school desk for you.

Doctor kit #4, Henry loves them but they break/lose the pieces so easily

Cole's Wind Scorpion had to help open some presents with his claw, that wasn't annoying 



Return!


An alarm clock to teach Henry when it is okay to get out of his room in the morning (not at 5:30am). We were so excited for this present, sadly it was broken so it had to be sent back to Santa's workshop to get fixed. Mom and Dad are anxiously awaiting it's return so we can get to teaching!


Christmas (at Stear's):






We'll end the Christmas post recapping some of Frosty's hiding spots.


 



Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Pre-Xmas Weekend

First off, congrats to Jess for her completion of nursing school. Just Cole and I went to the pinning ceremony because Henry was sick. The plan was to go to Asiana's afterwards, but Cole got tired and begged to go home. I am still disappointed that I went from plans to eat at Asiana's to actually eating at McDonald's. I also missed out on going to Red Robbin over the weekend, so the weekend certainly had some downfalls. Mostly, we spent our time trying to get ready for the holidays. We had several presents to finish, which we will unveil in the upcoming "Christmas 2013" blog post.


Cole spent a fair amount of time on the floor.

Here we are trying to teach Henry a lesson. He insists on always taking off his shoes and socks in the car. It is a super pain to always have to put his shoes and socks back on.

The boys earning their keep...



We spent Sunday morning playing in the snow. Henry lasted about 5 minutes and then decided he wanted to hang out inside. I am super sore now, but am pretty proud of the tunnels I built. The back tunnel is even big enough for me to fit through.