Back to Normal?!?!?

When I was younger, I hated to see January come.  It meant the end of the Christmas season and my birthday was over.  Now, as I've gotten older, had children, January is more welcome than ever.  Although, I love the Christmas season, it is nice to get back to our "normal" routine as a family.  If you know me at all, you know that I'm all about routine!

What Santa left for Jackson

What Santa left Eliza

We had a blast Christmas day.  I think Charlie and I were more excited than our two children.  Surprisingly, they both went to bed, and we didn't hear a peep out of them!  They woke up about 7:45 Christmas morning to see what Santa left at our house.  Santa doesn't bring wrapped presents to our house, so once Jackson and Eliza entered the room, they saw exactly what Santa had brought.  Jackson saw a stuffed Yoda and exclaimed, "I've been wanting this for months!!"  (Although he had not shared this with Santa when we visited, Santa knew...)  Eliza asked Santa for Mickey Mouse.   Mickey made it...barely!

Jackson and Yoda

Eliza and Mickey

Yoda, Buzz, Jackson, Eliza and Woody all lined up watching Toy Story 3
on Christmas morning.  One of Jackson's many TS presents.

Eliza got an entire box of dress up clothes, along with a box of several pairs of princess shoes.
Santa knows our princess VERY well.

My parents came late Christmas morning, and we shared a wonderful meal together before opening MORE presents.  Nana and Papa gave them an indoor trampoline.  It (literally) took twelve years of college education to get the thing put together.  Luckily, Charlie has the master's degree and did most of the work.  Jackson and Eliza agreed the trampoline was their favorite gift this season.

Jackson, "Look at me mom!"

Our children received so much, and it's such a blessing to be able to share all this with our children.  Later Christmas evening, we talked about why we share gifts during Christmas, to which Jackson replied it was because the wisepeople brought gifts to baby Jesus.  Yes, Jackson, wisepeople.

Sunday, December 26th it "snowed."  I was probably the most disappointed that there was no snow on the ground when we woke up.  It only snowed a trace that day.  We made it outside for a few minutes, but it was so cold.  Without the inches of snow, it just wasn't that fun.  I'm still holding out for INCHES of snow...we shall see...

Jackson and Eliza looking at the "snow ball" they just made.

We had a great time NYE.  Friends of ours host a children-friendly yard party at their house every NYE.  This year, they really outdid themselves.  They had a bounce house, blow up slide and dance floor with music.  The evening wasn't compete until the ball dropped at 5:30.  Our kids had so much fun, and they were exhausted!  We returned home, had dinner and a small birthday party for me...as it was Princess Day!!

Birthday picture

The New Year...2011...sounds so futuristic!  (In my sing-songy, futuristic, movie announcing voice) "In the year 2 thousand and eleven"!!  I had to work, so Charlie and the children hung out.  It was absolutely gorgeous outside. They played outside most of the day, including going to the park for a little recreation.  That evening, Charlie and I went out on a date...dinner and a movie.  Such nice, much needed, adult time!

Sunday, we had the privilege of "un-decorating" the house.  It was so warm outside, Charlie cleaned out the garage while I took all the ornaments off the tree (and cleaned up the needles), all while Jackson and Eliza ran around outside.

Eliza found a couple of treasures while Charlie cleaned out the garage.
 "Mommy, I'm ready to go to the pool."  It almost seemed warm enough!

School started back Monday.  Jackson and Eliza were so excited!!  And...here we are back to some sense of "normal"...whatever that is!

"Ok, Mom, I'm ready to go."  

We hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2011!!