The rest of our Christmas

I really need to get better at this blogging thing. Considering it's mid-January and I still have not finished writing about our Christmas.

Okay. The rest of our Christmas was great! We went to Alabama the weekend before Christmas.The boys had a great time as always. I love that they are making such fun cousin memories. Some of my fondest memories growing up are playing with my cousins (especially around holidays). As usual, my mother-in-law cooked some wonderful food and we were spoiled. We enjoyed turkey with all the trimmings and everything was so so good. The boys enjoyed exchanging presents with their cousins, Addie and Grant and getting special presents and stockings from Grammy and Papa. The only bad thing was that we had to leave early on Sunday morning because Josh came down with a stomach virus and Nicholas got a virus too (just fever). But, thankfully we made it home fine and they both got over their bugs quickly. Here are some pics from our fun trip:

Papa and Nicholas (with his new hat!)

Addie and Nate eating breakfast

stockings!

Noah's new hat :)

Papa and the kiddos

cousins watching The Polar Express

The cousins playing with Nicholas' train 

Christmas Eve my parents came over to our house like they've done for the past few years. We all enjoy this tradition so much. I fixed pork tenderloin sandwiches, baked beans, rotel and chips and vegetables for our dinner. Then, after dinner my Mom and I and the big boys made homemade sugar cookies. So. much. fun. After cookies, the boys got a bath and my Mom read "The Night Before Christmas" to them.  I love spending this special time with my family and I know the boys will enjoy these memories for years to come! After my parents left, the boys were eager to get in bed (so Santa would come). Josh and I had so much fun "playing Santa" after they were asleep. We love getting everything set up for them to see in the morning.
The boys were so excited Christmas morning. They couldn't wait to see what Santa had brought. Nathanael forgot at first though because he wanted to "watch a show". But, then we reminded him that Santa came! It was so much fun to see their faces light up when they saw what they got. It was also extra special because this was Nicholas' first Christmas. He got right in there with the other two and acted like he knew exactly what was going on (which is what he does most of the time) ;).

Nate watching a Christmas show with Grandmama and Granddaddy

Grandmama making Christmas cookies with the big boys

Grandmama reading "The Night Before Christmas" after baths.

Santa came! The pillow pets were a big hit :)

Sweet little Nicholas loved his ball popper.

After church, we went to Grandmama and Granddaddy's for brunch and to spend the day and have more Christmas fun. Frank and Allyson came too. Mom made our tradition of french toast souffle (which is ridiculously good) and bacon. It was so good. After brunch, we opened presents. Then, we spent the rest of the day visiting, watching an old Christmas classic movie,  snacking on Christmas goodies that Mom made, and just spending time together :). And we may have played a little Dance Party 3 on the Wii. And, my Dad may have participated. Fun times had by all. It was a wonderful Christmas filled with memories that we won't forget!

Noah opening presents 

What did you get, Nate-Nate?

Nicholas' new ball

"Is this for me too??"

Noah with Uncle Frank :)