Christmas [overload]

Just like years prior, we had a plethora of Christmases. With my parents being divorced and all of our family local, it just makes it so difficult to refuse to see anyone! We are so blessed to be welcomed and loved by our family. We didn't have much by way of presents for the boys this year, just what we picked up throughout the year for Isaac, but we were generously given gifts by our family. Already, Isaac started telling me this year that he wanted certain things for Christmas, which breaks my heart. I thought for sure we'd have a couple more years without expectations! I'm determined to be even more intentional with our giving and preparation for Christmas this coming year.

We started out with Tony's parents the weekend before Christmas. It really got Isaac in the spirit!


A rare shot of my wonderful mother in law, Dawn.


My nephew is only 6 months older than Isaac, so they essentially get the same presents each year, and they love it!


Matchbox cars.


Wyatt was a little excited.


Isaac got his John Deere supply restocked with a sweatshirt.


Ezra well, he didn't quite get the concept.


Still pretty darn cute though.


Rare shot of me and my boys . . . until Isaac decided he was over it.


Enjoying his spoils, Lightning McQueen jammies and his Matchbox cars with his "map."



Tony's kind of a good Dad. :D


Next up, my Mom started a tradition last year, that we will celebrate Christmas the Friday evening before Christmas with a hot dog roasting indoor picnic. Um, yum. Here Tony was explaining to Isaac that under no uncertain terms could he go near the fire.


My Grandma with Ezra. Swoon.


Papa Dusty with his grandsons. Definitely looks like a girl would be a nice addition, eh?


We had to keep an eye on this guy, he was all about crawling to the fire.


Love me my mister.


These pictures are so priceless to me! ps:: My Grandpa got a haircut and beard trim the next day.


Roasting time! We had all sorts of delicious toppings like chili, relishes and whatnot. So good.


Tony put together a really healthy plate for Isaac and the little guy did great. Both he and Daniel really enjoyed being able to eat their dinner on the floor.


Then, it was present time! Just like my other nephew, the presents were really similar and both boys got their main presents in the fall so they could use them. Isaac got the John Deere Gator!


The lovely judgmental eyebrow look Tony sees a lot and a favorite shot Tony got of Isaac while I was nursing Ezra.


Isaac wasn't too sure about the John Deere sleeping bag, but when he heard he could use it camping, oh he was sold!


He wanted to get in it, right away.


Check me out, mama!


My best gift, just kidding, was from my brother, an IOU.


Dusty is never one for a straight face, so I adore the top photo.


The next morning, Christmas Eve, we were back for breakfast to celebrate my Mom's birthday. We had two different egg bakes and they were pretty much to die for.


This kid loves to smile!


That evening then, before we caught up with my Dad, we did our little exchange at home.


Sharing of Daddy's milk. Those two are peas in a pod when it comes to milk consumption!


Reading the story of Jesus' birth from Luke 2.


So glad Isaac was excited about his soccer ball! Can't wait to show him some moves.


And legos were a big hit like usual, along with a John Deere puzzle and book we picked up at the state fair and the same mitt and ball we got for Wyatt.


Then we ran over to my aunt's for a bite to eat and some white elephant gift fun!



I don't even know what Amber got, but for the first time ever Tony was a 2 for 2 winner!


Some of the losers: Justin Beiber singing toothbrush, a huge loser check and stained boxers.


The kids got to enjoy the traditional snowman ice cream treat.


No ball in the house doesn't really apply here.


The next morning, I got both boys in their matching jammies and I could barely handle how freaking cute they looked.


We gave Isaac his stocking and he had such a blast being able to feel each item before bringing it out.


I swear he was more excited about these little items [goldfish, mini m&m's, Cars gloves and Cars Pez] than when he was unwrapping his more fun presents.


Unfortunately we forgot to have Ezra open his present the night before when Isaac did his, so we let him at it Christmas morning.


Since Ezra doesn't really need anything, we only got him a children's Bible, which is also what we got Isaac his first Christmas.


So much happiness sitting on my couch!


And then the boys got to work on their Legos.


And seriously, this kid just continued to charm me, his smiles are endless!


Also, all of this crawling business? I just don't know how to keep Isaac's toys out of his mouth . . . like this hockey stick. Who knew it was an appropriate teether?


We had a quick jaunt over to my Uncle Larry's.


Some family resemblance, eh?


Quickly following Larry's we made a pit stop at Tony's grandparents.


I love my father in laws reaction in the second photo.


These two are going to be trouble makers in years to come.


And again with the playing ball in the house!


Then we made our way over to my Dad's for our last Christmas celebration.


Derek and Ami were in town from Indiana, so Isaac had a ton of fun with his cousin's Avery and Chase.


Isaac ah, had quite the score at my Dad's.


All in all, it was a fabulous Christmas!