the Perfect Christmas

Santa came last night and lined up all the gifts in a perfect row. Each tiny Pirate sword, coin, hat, and anchor was put in its place. Batman, Robin, the Penguin, and their accessories were placed in their key positions.
Then, these boys awoke and fell in LOVE with their gifts. Somehow, each tiny, miniscule piece ended up scattered on my floor.
Santa spent hours putting sails on ships and outfits on each pirate only to be destroyed by these adorable little hands in a matter of minutes. For some odd reason, he loves taking apart the lego men. Do you have any clue how small hair is on a lego???
This guy is much more responsible, but so fickle. He bounced from toy to toy and couldn't decide where he should play. At one point, he had Batman on a pirate ship saving Snow White from the Penguin.
Nate and I bought the boys four boxes of Legos. Lincoln wanted both of his put together right away. It took us about an hour to put both of these tiny, little vehicles together. Nate and I looked at each other and laughed once we had them together. There was NO WAY these buddies were going to be ripped apart today. They are safely put away!! Ha!

We ended the night at the Hills. We had the best Christmas dinner, and the boys played together! It truly was the Perfect Christmas! Tomorrow we are off to Texas!

Christmas Eve

We got so much accomplished today. We got the house cleaned and lots of things put away. We made it to Christmas Eve service at church and then headed into DC to look at the lights.
Ethan sat with us during church and loved holding his own candle for Silent Night.

By the time we made it to the Capitol, Lincoln was spent! He actually headed to his bed and we all thought he was going to go to sleep without telling us Goodnight. Lucky for us, he wanted to read a book and sing some songs! I hope he gets plenty of rest for the big day tomorrow!

The Squeakquel

We've been waiting MONTHS for the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie! Today was the big day!
We were greeted at the door by the stars themselves!
My only complaint was we didn't get the large popcorn and drinks! HA!!! The kids enjoyed themselves....OK Nate and I did, too!

Union Station

On our Christmas to do list was going to Union Station for dinner one night. They have a great train exhibit and a huge Christmas Tree. The boys L-O-V-E the train. Last year we ate a table overlooking the train, so I wanted to do that again this year. The problem was there were only tables for four and Jenn and Justin joined us tonight. There was a restaurant near the trains but right next to the door going to the Metro. We sat down and quickly realized it was COLD!
As soon as our food arrived, this cleaning lady decided she needed to SCRUB the metal under the doors. So, she propped the door open for about ten minutes.
Notice how we all had to eat with our coats on. Nate actually blew condensation out his mouth while he was eating!
The boys didn't seem to mind. They had a blast! Ethan did wear pajamas to bed because he hadn't warmed up, yet! That crazy boy quit wearing pj's months ago!

Redneck sledding

We searched high and low today for a sled in this city, but there were none to be found. SO, we got out the drill and made our own redneck sled from some tub lids. Once we got the snow packed down, the sleds worked OK!


After Lincoln face planted and his hands got cold, he retreated to his car and eventually headed inside. We could barely get Ethan inside!

Digging out!

About lunchtime, Nate decided to dig his truck out of the parking lot across the street. The problem was there was no place to put the snow. He ended up putting it in a space next to his truck and behind the mailboxes.
This is the snow that was in our driveway.

The bed of Nate's truck is COMPLETELY filled with snow! The satellite went out for a few hours today. I think some snow fell off the roof because it finally came back on. I've seen this much snow before in Ohio, but we had a huge yard to dump it. There is no where to put the snow here. School is cancelled for tomorrow and it looks like Nate is off as well! What a way to start our Christmas week. I can't wait to see what the weather is in Texas. I can bet it won't look like this!!!

Help. I can't get out!

We waited until after naps to get out in the snow. I knew that it was going to be a pain having it snow in everyone's faces. These boys didn't seem to mind at all!
We had 16 inches at 4:30.
The boys shoveled and threw snowballs at Daddy.
Lincoln decided to venture out into the snowy mass by himself. Watch the video. It's hilarious!We played and shoveled for an hour and a half. Thirty minutes after we came in the driveway was covered again! I can't wait to see it tomorrow!!!

Christmas Program

This is a video snipet from Ethan's Christmas program at school last night. He was soooo great. He sang every song and did all the motions. Notice how he keeps looking at me and even waves. You can also hear me telling Lincoln to STOP IT!!! He was all over the place last night.

Sorry about the video quality. I had to reduce the quality to get the whole video on here.

Goof ball

This doggie is getting O-L-D!!! He is 13 1/2 this week. He's not moving as good as he used to. He's completely deaf. He has a cataract in one eye. He's basically skin and bones, BUT that dog can tell when I open a can of food or fill up his water bowl! I need to make an effort to enjoy him more. I think his days are numbered.....but I have been thinking that for over a year! Nothing surprises me with him anymore!

fella

Marsha and Bob took the boys home with them for a few days. Nate leaves tomorrow for a week long training. I will be getting LOTS of stuff done this week! Shelley and I went to the B-E-S-T conference I have ever been to. I am actually PUMPED to get back to work this week!
Nate and I have a hot date tonight!
**Ethan took this picture of us**

Running Partners

On days when I can't go to Zumba (which will be everyday once Nate is gone), I have been trying to do some Wii Fit. There's a basic run on there and Ethan has been sneaking downstairs after bed to watch me. Tonight, I thought I would let him run with me. It was great for me because he kept wanting to run, so I went further than I would have without him! Lincoln even ran for a little bit.

You better watch out....

Our days to enjoy the Christmas festivities are getting fewer and fewer. I am leaving for a conference Wednesday and Nate is gone all next week for training. We are going to have to JAM everything in on our days together. We knew this big guy was on the top of our list. We were able to mark him off tonight!
Ethan told him all about his Batcave!
Lincoln told "Fanta" he wanted Pirates and Snow White.

I was so thrilled that they both sat in his lap and actually told him what they wanted. We celebrated by going to the Silver Diner. I was shocked that they didn't order chocolate chip pancakes.....it was Grilled Cheese tonight. The Juke Box played Grandma got run over by a reindeer and Ethan asked if they could play it again. It's ironic because Memaw is his favorite person in the world.

Training and Trimming

Yesterday was Lincoln's last day of diapers!!! We started potty training at 8:00 am. He is doing FABULOUS! This was his first success!! He earned a sucker as a reward!
About ten, after we had a few hours dedicated to just Lincoln, we decided to get started decorating the tree. Ethan was so patient all morning.
Lincoln contributed for about ten minutes, and moved back to playing with his toys.
Ethan could have decorated the tree all day! He had so much fun.
We busted the tripod out for some family photos.
After we took some photos, Ethan took my camera around and took some photos. He was so in the Christmas spirit yesterday.

It started snowing today. The flakes are HUGE!!!! We are inside watching Polar Express. What could be more festive????

The Quickest Tree Selection EVER

We went back to the same place we got our tree last year. Somehow the second tree we looked at was perfect!

Nate trimmed and we were out of there in less than ten minutes! Tomorrow we start potty training!!!! We are hoping that we can also get this fella decorated! Wish us luck!