Christmas 2011

Yes, we know that Christmas was six weeks ago, but that doesn't mean that we can't still make some type of record of its occurrence. We were very blessed this year to be able to have our first Christmas in our new home as well as being able to spend time with our families.

We have very simple outside Christmas decorations, which will probably have to change if we want to fall into line with the rest of the neighborhood. We looked for some lawn decorations, but just couldn't come to terms with spending so much money on Christmas decorations. We even checked the stores after Christmas to see if we could find anything on sale, but decided that we really didn't need any Christmas flamingos.

We went to Apple Hill to cut down our tree. It seemed like the tree farm had a lot more expensive trees than more budget friendly trees, but we took our time and found one that we liked. It didn't look that big in the forrest, but when we got it home it measure at 10.5 feet. To avoid having a "Christmas Vacation" experience, we cut some off the top and bottom so that it would fit in the living room. Even still, with the star on top there was only about 1/2 inch from the top of the star to the ceiling.

At Disneyland, Tracy found this ornament holder decoration in a random shop in New Orleans Square. It was a nice addition to our inside Christmas decorations and provides a nice display for the new ornaments from grandma.

We also had breakfast with Santa. Not that Santa actually sat and ate breakfast with us, but we had breakfast and then found Santa waiting in another room. Thomas didn't really want to sit on Santa's lap so mommy held him. And no, we didn't forget to take a picture of Charles with Santa, he opted to stay far away. Not even the prospect of getting a candy cane would get him to even walk up next to Santa.

Charles did enjoy making an ornament after the breakfast. Thomas was a bit too young to participate so he just made silly faces. He thinks he is so cute.

On Christmas Eve, Tracy's parents brought the boys presents (a Toy Story and Cars chairs) and they wasted little time using them. They got to watch a movie and decided that the new chairs needed to be on the couch.

We decided that we would be a little more creative with our Santa treat this year. We figured that Santa probably gets tired of eating so many cookies so we made rice krispie treats with m&ms. There is also a cookie just in case he brought an elf with him. Also, we thought chocolate milk would be a nice alternative.

Santa did not disappoint with presents. Thomas got this Batman tricycle that makes sounds and plays music.

Santa thought that it was about time for Charles to get a bike so that he could start to learn how to ride one. Charles is a bit lazy and likes to get rides in strollers and wagons instead of riding his scooter or walking. Hopefully he will enjoy riding his bike.

Looks like Santa enjoyed the treats, especially the chocolate milk.

It was fun to watch the boys open presents. There were a few things that Charles really wanted (okay, more than a few) and when he opened those things his excitement was off the charts. His favorite ride at Disneyland was the Toy Story Mania ride. He loves this game and asks to play it all the time.

Thomas is at a good age for presents. We were actually worried that he was going to get into the presents early, but he did a good job of staying away. He was excited about all of his presents and couldn't wait to play with all his new toys.

Charles loves legos and was excited that both he and his brother got new legos. It was funny (or frustrating) that Charles wanted to play with Thomas' toys and Thomas wanted to play with Charles' toys. Maybe next year we will just buy community toys for them to share.

After presents we had breakfast. Everyone got to have their favorite. Charles is really into Frosted Flakes, so that is what he chose.

Thomas loves chocolate milk and powdered donuts.

Tracy loves Pillsbury Orange Rolls (sorry no picture, but we did have them). We can always tell when Thomas has had a powdered donut by his powdery lips.

Ready to go to church and then to see all the grandmas and grandpas.

Disneyland!

For Christmas this year, my parents took the whole family to Disneyland. Despite a little rain on the first day, we had a lot of fun and even convinced Charles to ride some of the rides. Charles wasn't too sure about the characters, but we did a pretty good job at avoiding them so we didn't have too many meltdowns. Tracy didn't get to go on as many of the rides as she would have liked, due to the new baby, but I think she still had fun.

Proof that we were at Disneyland together. The nice thing about going with a large group is that you don't have to ask strangers to take your picture.

Always have to get a picture in front of the Mickey Mouse head made of flowers. Can you tell that the sun is in our faces?

Mommy and Moose on Dumbo. Charles was pretty set on not riding any of the rides, so we had to pick and choose which ones we were going to force him to ride. Dumbo did not make the cut.

Splash Mountain did make the cut. It was raining so there was no line, which was a good thing because I don't know if I could have handled his whining if we had to wait in line for any length of time. After he said that he liked it except for the big drop.

After Splash Mountain most of the group went back to the hotel with the kids to dry off and let the kids nap. Charles and I stayed with Grandma and Grandpa and it cleared up about an hour later.

We didn't bring a blanket for Charles, so he borrowed his cousin's blanket. It was cold so he didn't care that it was pink. Honestly though, pink is one of his favorite colors.

We all had similar shirts for the second day. Our family went with a Toy Story theme.

Between day one and two, they put up the giant Christmas tree, or is it a holiday bush?

Alien, Jessie, Woody, and Buzz.

His favorite ride was Toy Story Mania in California Adventure.

This was as close as he would get to a character, and he only agreed to take this picture when he found out that they didn't move.

Having some fun waiting for dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. If you can't tell, he wasn't too excited to be wearing this hat.

Thomas playing in Chip n Dale's treehouse.

On Tom Sawyer's island.

Not sure which he hated more, Splash Mountain or the little Toon Town roller coaster. We had to wait in this line for about 20 minutes, so I got a lot of looks from other people wondering why I was forcing him to ride the ride.

Pirate Goofy. Surprisingly I did not get lice from trying this on.

Thomas enjoyed riding the carousel.

Charles playing with a glow stick while the adults watched the World of Color.

Enjoying our final night.

The World of Color.

Mostly for Andi

We moved and plan on staying here for a while because this time we actually bought the house. Technically we don't have the deed but a lot of money leaves our account every month so good enough. The following is a tour of our new home in iphone photos. It is backwards but you get the idea.

Master Bath:

Master bedroom:

Nursery
Guest bathroom
From Garage
Dining Nook
Kitchen

Great Room
Boys and office bathroom
Office
Boys room (Thomas is sleeping)
Hallway from front door
Front door
Now here are some of the babies:

Charles

Thomas

Nicknamed number 10 (tenth grandchild on both sides)

Coming in May

The end.