Christmas Day

After a long night at Aunti Gins, Garrett was up around 7 and Gannon was snug in our bed, wanting nothing to do with getting up!  Mom, Eddie, Taylor, and Grandpa came over around 8 to open presents.  Garrett got a baseball net from Santa and Gannon got a Little Einstein Rocket.  (see more on Santa below)  Lots of wrapping paper and presents later we were all done.  The boys had a great time opening gifts and loved everything they got. 

 

Santa side note - Garrett asked Santa for two things - a book that he could read and Batman Legos.  Thank God my cousins got him some Batman Legos because I don't think Santa heard him.  Although he loved his gifts and never once complained about not getting what he asked for, which made me happy, I told him we better write Santa a letter next year.  Santa's helpers need to do a better job listening and communicating because our poor little 5 year old didn't get one toy this year.  Lots of other stuff that he loved, but not one toy!  Sports stuff, hats, and clothes that he loved, but next year he'll be getting whatever he asks for (within reason of course).  He did well, but did want to play with his brothers toys!

 

We did our tradition of IHOP breakfast after presents.  The boys played for a bit and then Shane, Jasmine, Nick, and Jack came over for dinner and more gifts.  It was a fun day full of family!

 

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve tradition is one of my favorites.  My Aunt Virgina and Uncle Bob have us over for Christmas Eve with their boys, Kevin & Robby and their families.  It is always such a fun night.  As we pulled down their driveway Garrett said, "I love Christmas at this house!"  Melts my heart that our Christmas traditions are starting to be memorable to the boys at their age.  Love it!

 

Waiting for everyone to arrive Garrett, Gannon, and I played a few games of War.  Gannon won his first hand he ever played and Garrett said it was okay because it was a game of luck!  My Mom's friend Carrie brought the kids a Christmas Bingo game which entertained all the little ones for a long time, nice time to enjoy a glass of wine!  Thanks, Carrie. 

 

One of the best parts of the evening has become the "Adult" White Elephant exchange.  The rule is the gift you bring has to be something you have around your house, NO store bought items.  Over the years we have had some good laughs at the gifts and this year was no different!  Always a fun time. 

 

Ingall's Christmas

Christmas is a crazy busy time of year and I'm thankful that my Dad and Dianne have us up every year either a couple days prior to Christmas or the day after.  This year because we were in Escalon for Cousin's Christmas we made Christmas with my Dad that evening.  Grandpa and Grandma Ingalls are always down for Oregon and it was fun to see them again after visiting their place this summer. 

 

Dad made one of my favorite meals that he would make when I was a kid, goulash!  It was as yummy has I remember.  He thinks we need a crab leg tradition, but I think the pasta route is much better!  George and Syenna joined us too, always fun for the kids to play.  Presents galore from Grandpa and Grandma and the boys enjoy every bit of their Christmas and time with their Grandparents. 

 

Cousins Christmas

After a year off, Cousins Christmas is back!!! We get together with the Hall's side of the family for a dinner and the kids exchange gifts.  It was a fun afternoon and is always so fun to see all the cousins, makes me sad that we don't get together more often.  Gannon got a chain saw, that he tried to use to cut around a tree on our way out! Garrett was in heaven with this Lego's!

 

Warriors Basketball

A new sport for Garrett to fall in love with...basketball.  Atwater FFA typically does a Sharks game, but because the NHL was out on strike they planned a basketball trip instead.  A bus ride, shopping at the mall, and basketball was a fun day for the boys.  Garrett loved the game, but had no idea how many points would be scored throughout the night.  After 5 seconds into the game, with 7 points to the other team, Garrett said, "Oh man their going to lose this game."  We explained that basketball scores lots of points and boy was he surprise when they scored over 100 points.  Gannon wasn't too into it, so he decided to take a nap in the stands!   

 

Christmas Program

Grandma and I went to watch Garrett's kindergarten Christmas program.  The kids were so cute and Garrett of course took every song very serious.  He scanned the audience until he found us and then you could see he was more relaxed.  They did five song that he practice at school and at home, including writing out the lyrics to every song at home on a piece of paper.  You have no idea how many times I heard the song so that he could write all the words out....a lot!  He continues to be so detailed and Mr. Serious! 

 

Skate Night

Garrett and I went to the first skate night alone a couple of month ago and this time decided to invite Daddy and Gannon.  We got there early and were sure to get the skates that have the wheels that allow to be tightened, much less of a workout for Mom!  Gannon was his little fire cracker self and was sure he could handle the skating on his own.  Garrett was much better and both boys were so brave.  I love skate night almost as much as the boys! I so fun to see them so excited.