I attempted to take the boys to see Santa several times. Each time, Santa was not available, and I was left frustrated. I really want to have pictures of my children with Santa Claus each year to document their growth, and the change in their attitudes toward Santa. Last year, both boys really werent afraid of strangers, and so the picture was just blank (not happy, not sad). This year however, I was afraid that I was going miss a crucial year. Amazingly, Santa Claus was able to visit our home for a few minutes so I could have my picture! The boys were not thrilled! Zane probably would have been fine, but the minute Xander started crying, Zane knew something was wrong and joined right in, eventually becoming hysterical. Santa was a very good sport, but doesnt look super thrilled either. I am sure he prefers kids who are excited to see him and sit on his lap to share their Christmas desires. Never the less, we are so grateful that he took the time out of his very busy schedule to visit my little ones. Thank you Santa! This is a memory I wanted preserved in picture form! Merry Christmas!
I love the affectionate nature of my boys. They are so sweet and loving. They constantly seek touch and love from each other and from us. Zane has learned to copy kisses. He makes the best "fish face" kisses. I absolutely love it! I think it is beyond cute!
Xander doesnt blow kisses but he always give kisses upon request (the slobbery open mouth kind-which are so cute). He also pulls your face in tight for a BIG OL'KISS!
I sure love these boys! Im so glad that they are not yet "too cool" to kiss their mama. I know that day will come all too soon!
Our Christmas fun began at the Larson White Elephant Party. The family tradition includes the reenactment of the Nativity Scene which is now only complete when Uncle Dirty plays the "Ass". This is one of my favorite parts because all the girls love to take turns being angels and especially Mary (but amazingly, no one ever fights over it). This year, we had the newly returned missionaries narrate for us. This was quite amusing as they were both still getting used to English again. But they did amazing. After the nativity was the talent show, which is always wonderful! (but for some reason, I did not get pics of any of it). Then the White Elephant Gift exchange. This is quite the ordeal. Everyone is very animated and has a blast switching gifts as quickly as possible during the time limit (Larson Family Rules, not traditional White Elephant Rules).
To keep Xander entertained during the chaos of the game...He played with the football helmet and also with his iPhone movie. So cute! Future Football Star for sure!
The winner of the best (craziest) white elephant gift was this..... Yes someone "got crabs for Christmas"! Lovely! My nephew was actually so thrilled and really didnt get the joke, but the adults all had a good laugh!
While everyone else made spudnuts (homemade doughnuts that are the most amazing thing you've ever tasted), we took the boys outside for some space. They love to swing always have fun on Grandpa's old tire swing.
While there, we decided to send a quick video message to Xander's birth grandparents. It turned out pretty cute so Im sharing here for preservation purposes.
The following week, was actually Christmas. In preparation for everyone coming, I asked Eldon to attempt to get the past year and a half of baby fingerprints off my windows. It is a quite handy thing to have a hubby who once worked as a window washer. He happily obliged for me, and went to wash them. The problem with washing windows while babies are awake, is that they dont miss a thing and consequently, made even more finger prints watching daddy. **Welp, it was a good thought anyway.
Christmas day finally arrived and thankfully, my family agreed to have Christmas at my house this year, to make it easier for the babies. The morning began nicely, just our little family. We got the chance to face time (Skype on the iPhone) with Xander's birth father and birth paternal grand parents. It was great to see them and they got to watch Xander open their gift, which he absolutely loved! Then Eldon's younger brother joined us along with my family for some super yummy breakfast. We had eggs, ham, bacon, and french toast! Yummy! And then the fun began with new Christmas gifts. The kiddos were completely spoiled! Their favorite gifts however was this ball pit and the tent and tubes. They kept going back to play! So much fun!
This year was Xander's turn to get the traditional Grandma Larson blanket with his name on it! I know the pic looks like he isnt happy, but he actually loves this blanket and sleeps with it every night. He was just upset about the wrapping paper.
The day was so full! So full of fun, so full of family, so full of food, and so full of baby cuteness that it was quite the exhausting day. So much so, that papa took a nap despite the noisiness of the play happening around him!
Xander was very intrigued by GG's walker. He thought it was very interesting, so we plopped him on top, and sweet GG Goebel gave him a ride! At first he wasnt quite sure, but she did a few laps around the kitchen and he was thrilled. Thanks GG for being so fun! We were so glad to have you for Christmas!
