Ok, so I wasn't going to include the TRADITIONAL ANNUAL pictures I take every year of the children in front of the tree BEFORE the chaos and fun of handing out and opening gifts begins because I couldn't get a picture of ALL of them together. Braxton (whom you see is MIA) was in Papa's lap, waking, observing, and trying to figure out WHY his Mama had woken him from a perfectly sound sleep, changed his diaper and brought him out to all this noise and lights (poor blue eyes). He looked to be thinking "What is UP with these people!??!" Anyway- the two oldest posed for their picture (Evan being the rule follower jumped right in place upon request and Ashlyn Grace, being Evan's shadow and biggest fan, did just what her Big Brother was doing). Colson, however, has his own picture...because he posed with the tree when HE was ready...just like his personality and such a vivid picture of how Colson likes to be obedient...but on his schedule! :O
And Braxton...well he was all about the balls- here's his Heisman Pose! And do you see that little train in the bottom right of the picture...he plays with that daily!
After we were all done opening gifts, I popped in some French Toast casserole and Braxton got his tray for his high chair all ready. He's one strong 15 month old, and serious about his food!
So anyway this Christmas we made a huge modification by getting the toys ALL undone BEFORE wrapping them. For those of you with little to no experience with opening children's toys you will need to have: wire cutters, screw drivers, knifes, and scissors on hand JUST to get them out of their packaging and then batteries (of course) to make them work. SO- Nonnie and I did ALL of the de-packaging behind the scenes and even though it took HOURS to wrap them all (or maybe that's because we were wrapping for FOUR children)...opening that morning was SO much more enjoyable and easier on Daddy for sure! We will definitely do THAT again next year.
SO- here are a few favorites from each: Evan had a toss up between his cowboy boots and DS Lite.
Gracie Cakes LOVED her Baby Bath Time and Monkey.
Colson was all about his own 'puter (while sporting his new personalized Elmo Robe)!
And Braxton...well he was all about the balls- here's his Heisman Pose! And do you see that little train in the bottom right of the picture...he plays with that daily!
After we were all done opening gifts, I popped in some French Toast casserole and Braxton got his tray for his high chair all ready. He's one strong 15 month old, and serious about his food!
I just had to include this because it's SO darn cute! Braxton LOVES his Papa!
And last but not least, every year since Yvonne has paid off her debt, she has purchased herself something wonderful for Christmas. This year, Aunt Yvonne got herself a new laptop. You can see her surprise and pure joy. Congrats Aunt Yvonne, you deserve it!
