Christmas, 2012!!

The entire Brigade had an amazing 2012 Christmas . . . lots of company on hand to help the boys open what was ultimately a heaping stack of presents, albeit mostly on the learning/reading genre with one notable exception discussed below. Gramma & Papa, Aunt Carol and Aunt Joanna spent the night with us at the house and then Uncle Ronny joined us later in the day for the big present unveiling.

Up first a good series of pictures where the boys are opening presents and enjoying the time with everyone . . . they really figured out that there was some good stuff underneath the wrapping paper, so much so that we had to really try to focus them on one present at a time so that they didn't solely focus on the unwrapping effort.
















Below are a shot of Noelly trying to find his second wind and then a pic of the boys with what was the favorite toy of the morning - clickety clack cars with a descending track . . . definitely hit at least three of the five senses in a big way.



















Lastly, two pics of the boys with the gift that Uncle Ronny and Aunt Joanna have waited over a year to buy for the boys . . . two "just my size" electric Mini Coopers. The boys LOVED (and were a little overwhelmed by) them, climbing in and out over and over again to show everyone just what big boys they'd become. We finally got 'em out on the open road only to find that they are a little too advanced for them - their 2 year old legs were a good 6-8 inches short of reaching the pedals. Consequently, Dad, Pai and Uncle Ronnie rigged brooms, tennis racquets and anything else we could find so that we could operate the cars from behind while the boys enjoyed the ride and tried to figure out how the circular steering wheel come into play. These will definitely be a big hit for years to come (especially once they finally grow into them!).

















We definitely all had a fantastic year and are already excited to experience Christmas, 2013!