Merry Christmas!

Another Christmas season has flown by again!  With the boys getting older, the holidays have become more precious every year.

Owen was very excited for Christmas this year.  Nearly every day he would ask Baby Jesus and Santa if they would bring him a particular present.  The gifts occasionally varied, but more often than not, he asked for Toby (one of Thomas the Tank Engine's friends).  He asked so many times that I'm sure they got the message!

Cole and Owen not too happy to see Santa in 2009

On December 12th, we attended a Christmas party at another FANA family's home, and wouldn't you know it, Santa surprised us all with his presence.  Owen wasn't even scared when he came face to face with the big guy in red.  Owen patiently waited his turn while the kids each got to sit on Santa's lap.  When Santa finally called out his name, Owen jumped up, ran over to him, and hopped onto his knee!  It was quite different from last year's encounter!

After Owen took his seat on Santa's knee, St. Nick didn't even have a chance to ask Owen what he wanted for Chirstmas.  Owen just blurted out "I want Toby!!!"

After Owen, Cole had his turn.  Cole looked at this strange fellow with all the white hair and gave Santa's beard a timid poke.  But quickly curiosity turned into terror!  Poor Cole!  He was sobbing uncontrollably.  It'll probably be a couple more years before the fear of sitting on a complete stranger's lap will be overcome by the overwhelming need for even more toys!

On December 15, we decided to bundle up and endure another freezing cold Holidazzle parade.  Lucky Cole stayed home with Nana Judy and Popi Dave while the rest of us put on several layers of clothes and off we went to the parade.  Owen loved watching all the floats shining bright with Christmas lights.

Afterward, we headed to Macy's Santaland (along with everyone else who had gone to the parade!)  We waited in quite a long line, but it was worth it (or at least that's what Owen and I thought!)  We saw mischievous elves, singing Christmas trees, and even a reindeer flight school!

December 21st was a big day for Owen.  He was in his very first school Christmas program!  Owen's preschool class at Little Lights sang two songs (The Advent Song and Santa Claus is Coming to Town).  Owen looked adorable and did a wonderful job singing the words and gesturing the actions to the songs.

No pre-show jitters here!

Owen's preschool class - only Owen and the girl next to him remembered the moves!

Owen has since proclaimed his love for the song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".  He belts it out every chance he gets!  Take a listen for yourself...

The boys had been waiting and waiting for Christmas to arrive this year.  And the morning of December 24th, both boys woke up to the start of a very festive day.  Pa was the first out of bed (as is typical in our household) and he didn't waste a minute waking Mom and Owen bright and early with the news that Baby Jesus had paid us a visit!  Owen rushed out of bed to see what wonderful things Baby Jesus had brought for him.  Of course, wouldn't you know it, Baby Jesus brought him exactly what he had asked for (and even more!)  The last couple months before Christmas, Owen would see something he wanted in a store or magazine and say "Maybe Baby Jesus will bring me this for Christmas".  Well, Baby Jesus was listening and Owen's request for 'truck books', the 'bear movie' and the one and only Toby had been left at the foot of his bed.

Toby!  FINALLY!!

After Owen had ample time to check out his toys, it was Cole's turn.  Cole was snoozing away as Pa, Owen and I entered his room to wake him up...

After the initial jolt of being roused from his peaceful slumber, Cole was excited to see what fun things Baby Jesus had left for him.  Of course, Owen got a kick out of trying out Cole's new toys first.  Isn't that what big brothers are for?

After playing with their presents, we were off to Grandma and Grandpa Dineen's house to continue the Christmas celebration.  The boys had fun watching Grandma Dineen's singing and dancing Christmas decorations, looking for the pickle on the tree, opening presents, and of course eating some tasty food!

Where's that pickle??

Dance Snoopy, dance!

Cole getting all sorts of help opening his gift

"Yeah, I'm pretty cool"

"Let me help you, Great Popi"

"Aren't I adorable?!?"

After dinner, it was time to get dressed up for church.  The boys looked fabulous in their suits and ties.   The church service was beautiful and Owen, as always, was extremely excited to see the Cross. 

Soon Mass had ended and it was time to head home.  But the celebration was not yet over!  Upon entering the family room, Owen's eyes lite up - Santa had stopped by!  Somehow he knew we would be leaving for North Dakota early Christmas morning so he brought the boys their gifts on Christmas Eve.

The next morning came way too soon!  We were on the road to Wahpeton, North Dakota to celebrate Christmas with the Kleins.  Uncle Jon and Aunt Rachelle hosted this year so the drive was only 3 1/2 hours instead of the normal 7 hours to Nana and Popi Klein's!  The boys enjoyed a fabulous meal, opening presents, playing with their cousins Emma and Mariah and watching the uncles make fools out of themselves dancing to the Wii!

"Thomas books!"

"Mmmm...goldfish crackers and beer."

"Shake it boys!"

Popi Jerry and Nana Bev with the Grandkids

The next day, Cole, Owen and I headed to Nana Bev and Popi Jerry's house in Fessenden.  Unfortunately our trip was cut short due to yet another snow storm (it always seems to storm when we have plans!)  So we packed up our things a couple days early and headed home.

But that was not the end of the festivities!  On New Year's Day, the four of us had our Christmas celebration at home.  The boys opened their presents from Mom and Pa and Owen even had a few gifts to open from his preschool teachers.

Owen's gift from one of his teachers

"Let's set this up!"

"Ta-da!!"

"I can't wait to open this!!"

Mom and her boys

Under the tree was even a gift from Owen to Mom and Pa!  He had made the most adorable ornament at school...

What a wonderful Christmas we had surrounded by all of our loved ones!  What more could we ask for?  We have been truly blessed this year. 

"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  (Luke 2:9-11)

Here's wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2011!