Halloween Time 2015

This year, Jude had 2 different costumes.  I, of course, got in the way and tried to sway him in his decision of what he wanted to be...because we already had a Hulk costume (OK, OK, we also already had a Batman costume, but it was 5 sizes too big and DARK as hell, and I got worried he'd get run over.  Truth).  Anyway, I convinced Jude to be Hulk, which he was for his preschool performance.  But, then a few days after, he was talking to me in the car, and had some legitimate concerns about how Hulk always had "those angry eyebrows."  Soooo, we had a last minute, day-off costume change using what we had around and a BRIGHT printed out Batman logo.  Turned out pretty cute!

Leland wore the homemade Owl costume that is my very F-A-V-E, and just needed to get worn one last time.  So damn cute.  He was all bidness getting that candy, running/waddling to keep up with the big kids.  He is one determined little child.

'Tis the Season

Or it 'twas the season?  Sheesh.  Here goes nothing.

A present from the Advent Calendar

A man who will forever amaze me at his ability to just say yes.  Here he is saying Yes! to Christmas lights.

A boy who sang "so bring us some piggy pudding and I want some right now!"

Leland got this phone at Dave's company party.  He was so pleased with it, he fell asleep like this on his way home.

2nd annual Girls Night Wrap Party--this year hosted by me

Cutest little boy waiting for Claus

They actually did pretty good!

Christmas Eve, hosted by me.  Dishes by Chris.

Christmas 2013

 

As you'd expect, Christmas each year since we've had Jude (and now Leland) just keeps getting better and better.  This year, Jude fully understood Santa.  So much so that when people would come over he would randomly tell them with innocent sincerity, "But I don't hit anymore."  You know, because that is a DEFINITE requiremement to getting on Santa's nice list...

Here's what I'll tell you about Christmas morning 2013.

I woke up first, before anyone else.  I was so. so. excited!  I had my teeth brushed, face washed, and contacts in before anyone even stirred.  When we were little kids, us kids would all sleep in the same room and I can so vividly remember the years of life I lost waiting for my parents to put in their dang contacts.  Isn't that funny?  And now, here I am on the flip side, brimming with excitement to see the look on Jude's face when he sees Santa has come.  And I was ready.  Then Dave and I got the cameras all set, and I was begging to wake Jude up.  Leland and I entertained ourselves with some photos...Dave said, "...let's make coffee first..."

Finally, we sorta made some noise by the door and Jude woke up.  He stumbled out of bed and clomp-clomp-clomped his way out of the room, eyes BIGGGGG, mouth open. 

Christmas is all totally worth everything for that look, that wonder.  Ya know?

 Jude was all about "Look what Santa brought me!"  Basically speaking each thought out loud.  And whether Santa brought it for him or Leland, "Santa brought this for me!" 

Jude's love for Lightning McQueen has been unwavering for the last year.  Santa brought him a Lightning McQueen Falcon Hawk, and Jude toted it everywhere with him for a solid week.  I dub that Toy of the Year. 

Leland tottered back and forth, and was pretty dang pleased with the bucket of Teddy Grahams left in his stocking.  He was also stoked when he got a hold of my phone.

And then he was...not so stoked...

Anyway, all in all, such an easygoing, fun Christmas morning.  I didn't have to work at all, and that folks, felt wonderful. 

PS:  Couldn't help but feel my morning hair resembled someone from years ago...
PPS:  And wow!  Good job Dave and bad job me, looks like he took all the pictures this year!