Friday, December 28, 2012

The Tradition Continues

So love Mommy's family annual picture in front of the Christmas tree. With all the kiddos, Mommy was prepared this year with the tripod set up and piano bench in place. We arrived home from the candlelight church service, got in our places, and 'click' twice (the first one had a Benny bumm in it)!

I have to chuckle because you used to be able to see the tree!


We were able to capture two pictures of the boys with Grandma and Papa!



And one final family photo of the only couple that doesn't have children (yet)!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

98 Years of Memories

This coming January, Mommy's Grandpa (Grandma's daddy), Grandpa VDV, will turn 98-years-old. It had been awhile since we've all been home and could visit him, but we ventured out over Christmas to share in some memories. We are not sure if he recognized us all, but his eyes lite up when he saw Grandma K and the kids. He chatted with us only the way our 98-year-old Grandpa does, soft-spoken, full of knowledge and stories. On this day, he reminded us often, "that you have to work for living." And this man worked hard for his family!

Breifly some of the things Mommy remembers when visiting Grandpa: "Cotton Candy" cake (that is, confetti angel food cake); sitting on his lap during those 'scary' monkeys flying around in the Wizard of Oz, Double Mint gum on the corner shelf that was always hard but we still tried to chew it; during thunderstorms telling me the angels were bowling; riding in a tractor (one of Grandpa's many hard-working jobs); his jokes; playing the accordian; all the creative projects he had done as a talented handy man; and when he prayed at meal time he cupped his hand just over his eye and bowed his head.

We love you Grandpa and thank you for all the memories and laughs!


Too cute to see the smiles when saying "hi" to the boys!
The group sharing with Grandpa how great it is to see him!

Meeting his youngest Great-Granddaughter (3 mos old).

Uncle C and Aunt K rallying the troops!
 

DG saying "hi" and Cousin JE,
watching her Daddy

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas 2012!

And the Word became flesh and lived among us! Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Snowed In = Its Christmas!

Yesterday afternoon our first snow storm of year hit (first real snow since February of this year - it is dry). So when your world looks like this...



And it is Christmas, the best thing to do is enjoy time with your family and open presents! First thing you do is, check out all the presents and ponder no longer which one is yours, beacuse the day has finally arrived to open them!




VW was excited to add to his Automoblox collection with a cool convertible.
DG wasn't quite sure what to do with the package placed in front of him at first, but he soon figured it out and found this cool block train!


DG taking in all the excitment from his older brother and learning the ropes of this present thing!


VW cheered often with excitment and grinned ear to ear!




VW received a remote control car, automoblox convertible, connectagons and car track ramp. DG received a remote control fire truck, block train, and a vacuum. Once the vacuum was open DG was gone. He 'vacuumed' up the leaves by the plant, removed all the baskets from the entry bench and vaccuumed in there and headed to the stairs. Such a big helper.


Mommy had a cashmere Christmas and Daddy got some new cool digs!

Everyone was very excited and overjoyed with the all the wonderful gifts! So fun that it doesn't matter the time or place, we are so blessed to celebrate with our amazing family, enjoying the cuddles, cheers, and joy that the spirit of Chrismas brings!

Merry Christmas boys! You are the best gifts from God ever, may you remember the true meaning of Christmas all year round! Love you all!


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Trains! Trains! Trains!

One of VWs favorites things about Santa's Castle is the trains! This year he introduced this  fascination with his little brother! They two of them are priceless...

Watching the train coming around the corner!
 

Peeking to make sure we don't miss the train
coming around the bend!


Don't forget to wave!



Climbing the stairs to get a better view
of the train coming out of the tunnel!

YAY! There it is!
(now close your eyes and listen...
the giggle of delight was priceless)

Bye trains, see you next year!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Santa's Castle

As tradition dictates, our tummies were overly stuffed with Thanksgiving yumminess prepared by Nana with love and dedication. Not quite ready for pie but knowing there will definitely be room later, we headed to Santa's Castle.

This year was especially cute, because DG takes everything around him in only the way a toddler can...the lights, the singing reindeer, the trumpet playing angels, the 'sleeping' goats, the trains (more later)...all provide awe and wonderment, while 'calming' those silly teeth pushing through. We all watched the sparkle in his eye and followed him as he pointed the way.






VW also takes in all of the Christmas charm by running around in circles multiple times, not stopping, but once for a very quick photo op. Yet, you can still see the joy of Christmas...


Around the last bend, we see the jolly 'ole fellow himself! I find it rather intriguing to watch VW, as Santa is not something we talk about much at our house. We hang our stockings, read the traditional St. Nick story, and even sing a tune or two about 'Rudolph' or 'Up on the Housetop' but mainly we talk about Jesus. So this year to see the wonderment in his eyes as he inquisitively thinks about what he may want, you see that twinkle the Jolly Guy brings.
 



And there is some benefit in sitting on Santa's lap, making that important decision of what you want this year...you really learn what your children would like. However, it has been quite humorous this year, as VW has added to his list daily. Mommy and Daddy are amazed about all his 'wants'. We've talked about that we don't always get everything we want and that we live in plenty. We've looked through our toys and have picked out some to give to other girls and boys to play with. This also bring interesting conversations as he picks up the fire truck DG and him were playing with only minutes prior and says, "I don't play with this anymore." Yeah, right!



DG is definitely unsure what is up with this guy with all the hair, but has sat on his lap both years of his life in only the way DG can. He gives Santa the look, a high five, and concentrates while Santa signs a book for DG.




 All the cousins got there opportunity to greet Santa...may all your wishes come true!