This is a long post with lots of pictures!

***Before I do anything else, I can't get away without telling you about our Christmas Eve in Paradise. (No, we had no snow.) We were invited to the Yukon by the kids' preschool teacher. (Her husband owns the Yukon--the local bar in town.) We wanted to go to see what it was like--Christmas Eve. at a bar. in Paradise?!? How could we pass that up??? So anyway, we were all going to go, but Josh and my Dad were sick, so just Ryan and I went with Brendan and Aaron. (Mom stayed home to take care of the sick baby.) We figured there would be about 15 people there, tops. But nope, almost the whole town was there! So here in this tiny town, you really do have a "traditional" Christmas party--with Santa and all!! The boys got to play with thier friends from school, Ryan and I met some other town folk. Overall, it was a really great time. I think we will be attending next year!

Now onto Christmas Morning Stuff........

Since this was Joshua's first Christmas, I thought I would start this post off with pictures of him. This first one is of him soon after he woke up Christmas morning. He was the first of our boys awake. He was not all that into unwrapping any presents or wasn't all that interested even in chewing on the paper. That is due to the fact that he is still sick, and even had to go to the urgent care Christmas Eve-Day! Poor kid had the beginnings of an ear infection, along with a nasty cold and cough. (And yes, his parts still itch!)



Here is Elmo TMX introducing himself to Joshie. He seems to like his Elmo, but the rest of us may want to throw him (TMX) under the tires of a semi in about a week or two.



Here is Aaon with one of his new firearms. Aaron woke up shortly after Joshua. He came down stairs and was in shock at what he saw under the tree. After he took it all in, he remembered he wanted to unwrap all those presents!! So we couldn't wait any longer and sent him up to his bedroom to wake up our sleepy head!

Aaron's favorite gifts were his Darth Vader Transformer and Godzilla Monsters: Mecha-Godzilla, Ghidra, and Space Godzilla. But his absolute favorite gifts were his cowboy hat, boots, guns and holster. OH YAH, and his John Deere Tractor shirt!!! Is this not the cutest cowboy you have ever seen?!?!?!


Yes, Brendan loves his Gamera stuff. This huge Gamera you see in this picture was from Grandpa. Brendan also received 3 more Gamera movies from Gramma and Grandpa--he hugged those and was super excited to get those! Brendan pretty much loves everything he got for Christmas, but he likes his Luke Skywalker Transformer and Gamera stuff the best.


On advice from a friend, Ryan and I purchased Leapsters for both of the boys. We were very unsure because we weren't ready to buy our boys a "video game system" just yet. But Jen is right, these are fun for the boys but are educational as well. I have to say that I am very glad to have bought these things and if they can keep Aaron interested, than its well worth it!

Overall, our three boys were very spoiled again this Christmas. And its not over yet, as Aunt Jackie and Uncle Jeff will be here this weekend to celebrate the New Year, as well as Christmas. Can't wait for that! Ann, Rich, and the girls are up here now until Friday. Jim & Kelly arrived today with Dylan, Matthew, and Pierce and Kyle. It will be loads of fun for all the kids to play together. On Thursday, I will be taking my 3 boys downstate to Boyne City to visit with Claudine, Dave, and thier boys Noah and Gabriel. Busy week for us, but we want to be aboue to enjoy seeing all this family!!