Merry Christmas!

This year.. unlike last... we told the kids they could not wake us until 7 so Liam would not be a beast today.
Thinking Liam would be awake by 7... we thought it was a good time to tell them.  Of course, today was the first day in weeks Liam happened to sleep in but the older two could not wait any longer.  
Before we headed into the living room to see what Santa brought, I put cinnamon rolls in the oven and let the kids loose.
Word cannot express how much I LOVE Christmas morning... The kids were so excited.

Of course.... Morgan had to comment on the cookies this year:
Santa LOVED his cookies:

peanut butter reindeer, chocolate chip and baklava 

Aydin

Liam

Morgan

Steve's and mine

(even the dogs get stockings)

Today is also Ecko's birthday... Happy 4th birthday Ecko!!

For breakfast/brunch we had German pancakes, sausage, bacon, and fruit.  Liam's favorite thing to have for breakfast is anything that can fit in my muffin holders... also known as 'muffin tops' or as Liam calls them... muffin pants.  He was so excited, he asked me to take a picture of his muffin pants.

After breakfast, we went to work with Steve.  He was on duty this whole week so instead of him going to work by himself... we all went with.  While he worked the kids played in his office, colored on his white board, and had chair races with the office chairs.  

Once he finished, we came home and started dinner.  Last week we asked the kids to prepare the menu for Christmas dinner and this is what they came up with:

Ham

Sweet Potatoes

Fried Shrimp

Fried Rice

Fruit Salad

Rolls

and

Jello

Yes.... we too thought it was a very odd combination but they enjoyed ever second of it and ate more than they would have if I made the menu.  

After dinner we dropped off wreaths that I made to the neighbors Pam and Greg and then to our landlords Felipe and Visi.  When we got home, we heard a knock on the door.... not expecting anyone we had no idea who it could be....

Next thing we know... SANTA and SANTA was inside our house throwing candy at the kids. 

One of our babysitters- Virginia and her sister Sandra came by to bring the kids candy.  It was so much fun and so cute to see them dressed up and spreading Christmas cheer.   

Merry Christmas EVE!!

I cannot believe another year as come and gone and that tomorrow will be Christmas.  It is my favorite time of the year and for the kids.  They get so excited... it is almost impossible for them to want to go to bed.  

Today was a first for our family.... we had a sick member.... making today a little less than perfect.  Steve was sick and in bed all day today making it impossible for us to do some of our yearly traditions: making gingerbread houses, decorating cookies, and hanging out together all day.... cooking.  I spent most of the day in the kitchen while the kids were great and played together and helped when I needed it.
Thankfully around 5, Steve was alive again... not 100% well but at least could get out of bed and come to the table... 

We had our Christmas eve dinner: Greek food.  

Like every year, the kids opened ONE Christmas gift.... although they are too smart for a surprise... they do love getting Christmas jammies!!

Instead of gingerbread houses and cookies..... we had s'mores for dessert with hot chocolate (maybe a new tradition....  it was too much fun!!).

We all cannot wait for tomorrow!!
Well most of us... Steve was able to stay awake long enough to help with s'mores.
Once we finished those up, we snuggled on the couch and watch Christmas movies.... while Steve slept next to the fire... with Ekco and Chupito by his side the whole night.

Once the kids went to sleep- I managed to bring all of the boxes full of presents down the stairs, wrap a few, and put them under the tree... while Steve and the dogs slept... without moving an inch!!
He is lucky he was sick :)

Hopefully tomorrow Steve will be feeling better!!

More of Bob...

Bob has been busy this month... Every day the kids wake up and search around the house for him.   

Last night we decorated our tree and this morning we woke up to Bob with his very own tree and a little note for the kids:

Bob was able to stay here for 2 days!!  Although this basket is right under the TV, the kids could not find him.... 

Bob should have been a little more creative on his last night here... but he wasnt.  I think he forgot that was his last night in our home.  Next year Bob.... next year.