Christmas, New Year's and all that great stuff!

So how was your Christmas? Ours? It was great! A little different this year on Dustin's side, since we spent the afternoon at the Children's hospital, but it was still memorable and fun.
The hospital was very accommodating to us, bringing in an extra tv/dvd and a Wii for the boys to play.
Bella woke up pretty grouchy, and unfortunately wasn't in the Christmas spirit, but considering she was strapped to a bed and woke up from her nap to find us ALL in her face - I think I might have had the same reaction!

Christmas at home was fantastic. Dustin and I set up all the gifts under the tree once the boys had gone to bed, we filled the stockings, and did our best to help Santa with the entire Milk 2 Go Brad insisted on leaving out (that's a lot of milk!). Santa had to leave a note telling the boys it was a little too much, and although he appreciated it, he left the rest in the fridge.

Gift opening in the morning was a hoot- I adore seeing my boys light up at their gifts each year. Zach had been constantly reminding us that he wanted the "Criss, Cross, Crash" Hot Wheel track set, and he slightly freaked out when he got it.
Brad's list was a little different, he wanted a lot of cards. Hockey cards, Pokemon cards, etc. I knew Gramma had got him a lot of those, so we tried to stay away from duplicating.
Dustin (somehow) talked me into agreeing to buy him his first bb gun. It's a Red Rider and everything, just like from the movie "The Christmas Story". ("You're gonna shoot your eye out!")
and although every mother puts up a fight to weapons of any kind - Dustin was right, Brad does love it. He's even an amazing shot! Dustin built him a little shooting range in the basement where he hit the bullseye the very first time!

We also got the boys remote control Helicoptors that really fly. They look and sound like giant mosquitoes when they're hovering around - but again, it's been hours of fun for the boys. Seriously cool toys!

Later Christmas day, we went to my parents and celebrated with my side of the family. The gift exchange took over an hour this year, with so many people and gifts that we open one by one, we made the fun last as long as possible.
My boys recieved Walkie-Talkies from my parents. What a hit!! And there are 3 in the set! With our big house, we used them all through the holidays! When I needed to talk to the boys and I wasn't around them, I just used the walkie talkie!
They are super excited to take them outside in spring (along with the bb gun, I'm sure!) and explore our 5 acres here.

New Year's is not a huge deal at our place. We find we have a better start to the year if we're not all short on sleep, and are actually pleasant with each other the next day.
In the move, we seem to have lost our fondue pot... which is the supper tradition for New Year's eve. Luckily, friends had one we could borrow, and if we can't find ours by next year, we'll have to get a new one.

Here are some pictures from the holidays - Happy New Year to you all!:)

My boys playing Wii in the hall (we were the ony ones on that side).

Coke bottles on New Year's day!