Christmas at Grandma Jackson's (Post 2)

After opening gifts at home & giving the boys time to check them all out, we headed to Grandma Jackson's home for lunch and some family time with those who live in the area. 

The boys got to bring a few toys with them. Garrett brought his new Hungry Hippos game...as you can see below, both young & old boys had fun with it. 

Grandma made the annual birthday cake for Jesus. Reece was caught sampling the icing before we sang the Happy Birthday song. 

YUM! Strawberry cake & ice cream!

On the Saturday after Christmas all the Jackson's gathered again at Grandma's (minus Brendan, who is serving in Costa Rica for the Peace Corps). We ate until we were stuffed and then Uncle (Super) Jim handed out gifts to the younger ones. 

Whoa! Look at that big box!

Another fire truck!!

Monsters University! (This was the only thing Garrett expressed disappointment over not getting from Santa. The man in red must've known Grandma had it covered!)

Once the kids finished up it was time for the adults to open gifts. Look at this little gift next to the adult pile!!

Reece & one if his favorite people: his cousin Courtney. 

After gifts we enjoyed time with family (& more food, of course!) We forgot to get a group picture this year...this is the closest to it that I have. Ha!

Only one more Christmas celebration to go...we will have a Christmas with my side of the family once my mom gets here in a few short weeks! 

Christmas at Home 2013 (Post 1)

Merry Christmas! 

We started celebrating Christmas Eve in Rosalia at the Christian Church candlelight services. It was sweet hearing Garrett sing familiar Christmas songs and to watch the boys with their candles during verses of Silent Night. 

When we got home the boys got to open one gift: their Christmas PJ's, new Christmas cups, and cocoa mix!

Garrett's pajamas are way too big - but he still loves them! (They were the only Mike Wazowski pjs I could find)

The boys also came home to a BIG surprise: Bunk Beds!! Steve & I put them together while the boys spent the afternoon with Grandma Jackson. 

Our tree on Christmas morning...

...and the stockings under the boys' fire truck-decorated tree. Looks like Santa (aka Ho Ho) didn't skip our home!

Reece was up around 5:45...and Garrett woke up not too long after. Both boys were excited to tear into their stockings!

Two of our favorite characters were found under the tree!

...and then as soon as Grandma Jackson arrived we headed to the big tree to see what else Santa brought. 

Fire trucks, bulldozers, fun games, art supplies, Hot Wheels... oh my!

Mama got this bright pink hoody & some neon green socks that Garrett picked out!

Garrett gave Daddy a snap-together vintage fire truck! Should be a fun project!

Santa brought a race track set for the boys to play with together!

The "After" photo. We must have been very good this year because Santa treated us well! After presents we enjoyed breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls (my first time making them from scratch!) 

A fun morning was had by all!

Snow Much Fun!

We got just enough snow over the weekend to enjoy our first sled rides down the hill in our backyard!

Garrett's first slide with the help of Daddy...going, going, GONE!!

The boys made many trips up & down the hill. 

There goes Reece!

Reece caught on quick & learned if he leaned back he went fast!

I think Garrett had so much fun he gave Dad a hug!

Reece taking a break to watch his brother. 

Check out these rosy cheeks before we went back inside to make Christmas cookies!

Hockey Time!

Last weekend we braved the frigid cold & did a little sliding on our pond. 

Hockey sticks in hand, the boys are ready to hit the ice!

Reece was a bit timid at first, but once he got out there he loved it!

Steve & Garrett hit a hockey puck back & forth on the ice. 

Garrett has good form for a 4-year-old!

Reece mostly ran after the puck instead if hitting it. 

I guess I should be thankful the tongue doesn't stick to tree bark when you lick it!

Two boys with rosy cheeks! I think it's time for hot chocolate!