Christmas 2011

We had a wonderful Christmas. Mason and Isabel were extremely spoiled, which we vowed not to do. Guess it is hard when you have a toddler who has recently shown interest in everything from Cars to trains to diggers. He got it all!

We had two Christmases. One Christmas was at home in Burke, VA and the other was at Nana and Bumpa's in Hampton, VA.

Our Burke family Christmas was fun. Mason walked out to the living room and the first thing that caught his eye were the various diggers that Santa brought. He walked right past the Chuggington Train Set that Santa had brought. Once he turned around from his diggers and saw the train, he went straight for the "choo choo train"... "all aboard!". It was so fun to see him play with all his toys.

Isabel's first Christmas was spent on Gammy's lap. She was just looking around and not realizing that Santa had visited her. She received cute socks that look like shoes (with bows and all), stacking ice cream trucks and a purse. Every girl needs a purse, no matter what age.



Our Hampton family Christmas was a lot of fun too. We drove to Hampton Christmas Eve morning and were greeted by Nana, Bumpa, Auntie Tracy, Uncle Eduardo, Marina, Siena, Uncle Patrick and Ryan. It is so fun to see Mason finally interacting with his cousins. He really likes to chase after Ryan. We heard him say "Ryan, what are you doing?" That made me laugh. We were very grateful to have the family together. That evening we went to church. Mason was a nightmare and I ended up standing outside the church with him because I thought he was too disruptive. He did calm down finally and we went home for Christmas Eve dinner. We had ham, mushroom pie (my favorite), ziti, salad and potatoes. Then the kids were off to bed so that Santa could come.

Sure enough Santa came! Christmas morning the kids woke up to everything they could ever wish for. Nana and Bumpa, as well as, Santa must have thought the kids were very good this year. Mason's favorite gifts were a Cars race track (minus the race track... he only wanted the cars that came with it), a big Francesco from the movie Cars 2, a dinosaur and a toy garbage truck. Since we have gotten home, Mason has really taken to the books that Santa brought. He also received several other gifts such as clothes, blocks, legos and a zoo with animals. He is a very lucky boy. Isabel received many special gifts such as a necklace, a baby's first Christmas ornament and a teddy bear that plays peak-a-boo with her.

It was such a wonderful Christmas morning... though, Christmas morning stretched into the early afternoon because Nana and Bumpa spoiled everyone so much. The day was fun and we all relaxed while the kids played with their toys. I ate too many of Nana's delicious chocolate chip cookies. I think my mom couldn't put down the pizzelles. We definitely enjoyed the sweets that only Christmas can bring.

Christmas evening was special, as well. We were able to sit down as a family and enjoy a lovely Christmas dinner. We had beef tenderloin, a butternut squash dish, antipasto, stuffed mushrooms (my favorite), lasagna and oysters. For dessert, Nana had made three types of pies, but I missed out because I had taken the kids to bed and accidentally fell asleep with them. Thankfully, there were leftovers that I was able to enjoy.

The next morning we were going to head home but dad woke up to feeling ill. Later that evening Bumpa fell ill to the same sickness. It appeared that the oysters had gotten the best of those who enjoyed them the evening before. Luckily, it only lasted 24 hours but it did end up causing a virus, which got passed throughout the family. We must be upholding a tradition because during Thanksgiving, Mason got everyone sick with his cold. We will try very hard to not uphold that particular family tradition.

Another new activity that we should make a family tradition is the game of Cornhole. Matt received the game as a gift. Apparently, Bumpa is the reigning champion this year though we are looking forward to the next competition! In fact, I believe we may start having nightly competitions at our home.

Christmas always goes way too fast, but it was such a fun and memorable Christmas. It was a very Merry Christmas!