Merry Christmas 2013!

I have been a little slow getting things updated.  So sorry!  Thanks for your patience!  We had a great Christmas (the kids say it was the best one ever!).  Anyway, here are some pictures from our day of fun!

 

We started the morning off with stockings while we waited for the cinnamon rolls to bake.  The kids were all ecstatic about the toothbrushes, oranges, and candy canes.  Kelsey was a bit disappointed not to find her personalized wooden spoon (maybe next year) in her stocking.  She thought that would be better than coal, and so much more long lasting!

Jason didn't quite understand the joy of a new toothbrush, but that will come with time!  Actually, I think he ditched out on presents pretty quick to enjoy a nap.  That didn't bother the other kids (primarily Jack and Joe) because they got to open his presents!

We didn't get the puppy (Ray Ray) a stocking for Christmas.  Instead, he got all of his toys from the Wal-Mart bag (Austin charges you for plastic bags at stores).  We wanted him to have something to chew on instead of the new beanie babies that the kids got.  (He is particularly fond of stuffed animal eyes and noses.)  So, we got him a couple chewy bones and a soft plush bone.  He has gotten so attached to the plush bone!  Maybe it will save a few of the kids' toys from being chewed up.

Most of the kids got some form of clothing but they were all super excited about it.  The girls love their new dresses and John thought his ninja shirt was awesome!  It's great to have kids who don't mind getting underwear or socks for Christmas.  Well, there weren't any of those, but still....

 

One of the highlights for the little boys were the super hero outfits.  Batman and Superman came to call at our house.  Joe's words upon opening the gift were,

"Superman to the rescue!"

 

And those boys have played with the outfits for the past two weeks.  Even John will try on the Batman cape and fly around the house.  Granted, they aren't always saving the day because I think the boys think each other villains who must be stopped at all cost.  But they are having a blast.

The girls both got art sets and have been enjoying watercolor painting, coloring with markers (which they don't often get to use because of the little boys), and new crayons!  Kelsey used some of her Christmas money to buy a new pencil sharpener to go with her set.  She is ready to be artsy!

 

The following gifts were for Jason but I think everyone has enjoyed them.  Joe loves the baby car keys because they make noise like a car alarm or engine revving.  Jason has been reaching for his activity ball and even chewing on some of the rings.  He may be getting teeth soon (he's five months old!  Can you believe it?) but we haven't seen anything yet.

 

I think the highlight of the morning was when Jack opened a new Nerf style gun!  He was instantly the favorite brother and John could not escape being a little jealous.  When Joe opened his gun, John was even more excited/jealous.  It took him a moment to realize there was one more package that just might be a Nerf gun for him!

Following present time, everything became a target and the bullets started flying.  There were a few stray ones that may or may not have hit Mommy, but all the boys were in heaven with their firearms of doom!

The girls escaped into their room to work out the adoption of two new baby dolls.  They were gone most of the rest of the day.  With their door closed and the boys occupied with their guns, there was joy filling the air.

And finally, we got wonderful fleece hats from our cousins!  The boys look great in their dinosaur hats and the girls love their mares' tails!  Mommy got a lovely  purple one, but someone had to hold the camera for the picture!  Don't our monsters look wonderful!?

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!  Keep in touch or come visit us for some more Colloton adventures this year!