Christmas (part 2)

IT'S CHRISTMAS!

Well, at least Christmas Eve. We go over to Papa and Coco's in our pj's and have breakfast and then open presents before heading home to gather our food and presents for the next gathering that evening with the other side of the family. The night before we prayed for gracious and thankful hearts. I talked to the boys about how each gift was thoughtfully picked out for them and And that we also should be happy for our other family members to receive their gifts. On the drive over I schooled the boys on how to respond. They did really well. All of the kids did. We took turns opening the gifts and I smiled as Carter would get so excited for Josie to get a princess dress. He had listened well. I only heard one "I want one of those" which a quiet reminder silenced quickly. It wasn't Josie's princess dress. Just thought I should clear that up :).

A picture says a thousand words. I love the unspoken words that go with this one

Brothers and best friends

                                              

                                              

oops... forgot to take the red out.

Alton's first present of the season and he would have been perfectly content with just that.

Our little Tinkerbell... Brynnie

Marshmallow guns

Christmas JOY

Natalie's first Tea Set... she's checking out the marshmallow guns

What a cutie!

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Menso gathering on Christmas Eve evening.

Alton's perch at the food table. He spent a lot of time there. :) Lot's of yummy food.

Christmas! (part 1)

12-18-10 . Early Christmas present.

Alton needed his sleeping bag because we had Adam, Jen and Buzzsaw staying in their room. They were thrilled to have a taste of Christmas a week early.

Our Gallagher Christmas Celebration. The kids were going to act out the Christmas story as we read it but the costumes came off by the time we got around to reading it. At least we got a picture.

Good one, Bohn Family!

Aunt Donna loves the babies... and the babies love her :)

visiting with Grandma Gee Gee

Emma and Buzzsaw. Buzzsaw is the favored guest among the kids. Us big people like him quite a lot too.

Natalie is also a favorite.

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I have more to add on Christmas so that's why this is part one.

Trick or Treat

Alton and Natalie are sleeping but I hear Carter outside playing, "Trick or Treat". Probably with his imaginary friend, Mark. Who is usually getting bossed around because evidently he works for Carter. He's eating a sucker on the swing and explaining that the masks are just pretend but we don't like the scary ones just the same and that when you say "trick or treat" you get candy.

Started the candy hunt off at Grandpa and CoCo's house. I think it's sweet that Carter was waiting for Alton. Especially considering that we told him there was candy waiting at the door for him.

The first few pic's are a bit fuzzy because I didn't realize that my night setting was on. oopsie.

Ask Carter what he is and he will say, "Workin' Guy". Alton says, "Handy Manny."

Trick or Treat... or whatever :)

Alton was not digging the picture taking. Not a good start to the evening.

Sad boy!

Sweet girl!

Candy talk. Carter told Josie that she looked beautiful and that he loved her dress.

Alton is still not really excited about all this.

Maybe this is why we had the tears. Someone looks pretty sleepy.

On to the next stop. Now Alton's getting into it.

Papoo and Grammy's house.

Getting suited up. We couldn't seat belt them in with those tool belts so we had to redress at each stop before we went to the door.

Is it just me or is my firstborn baby looking very tall and grown up? (sniff sniff)

This is Carter at that very same door on October 31st, 2007.

Wow!

What a difference three years makes.

"Here I come, Carter"

No one can get Natalie laughing quite like Carter can. She thinks that he is the funniest thing.

He doesn't even have to try.

We stopped in at grandma gee gee's too. She was so surprised and delighted.

Next stop: Aunt Tena's. She had carved these great pumpkins that led the way to the door.

I love this shot with Alton's mitt full of candy

Fog machine just kicked on and the boys are two seconds away from realizing it and freaking out.

Last stop!

Uncle Nathan and Aunt Sarah's.

We picked up a pizza on the way and stayed for the rest of the evening.

Ha ha! This expression says it all for what a whirlwind evening it was. Just four houses and their baskets were bulging. It was a fun night to use as an excuse to drop in on some family members for a quick visit. Carter keeps saying what a fun time he had and how he can't wait for next year. I agree, buddy!