ChRiStmAs EvE 2011

Behind again, but.....Better Late Than Never...........!

After much contemplation, Kris and I made a HUGE decision and did the inevitable........we split up the Christmas holidays among our parents:( It was a bittersweet goodbye for Kris and I, as we had shared Christmas Eve and Christmas day with both of our families for the past 15 years. However, Kris and I decided that we didn't want to confuse Santa by spending the night somewhere else and spending Christmas morning at home just three of us sounded very exciting :) I have to admit though, having a full day with each side of the family and not being rushed for time had the biggest impact on our decision. Last year we spent more time rushing around than actually enjoying the moment and Kris and I promised ourselves we wouldn't do that again.......so decision was made. With that in mind we spent Christmas Eve with my family and do to the recent loss of my dearest Aunt we decided to make it a Christmas Olympics day. We all thought that keeping us busy and laughing would hopefully help us keep our minds off of the person that was missing from the room. Kris, Ryker and I spent the night at Mimi and Papa's house so that we could wake up and enjoy Christmas Eve morning with everyone. Ryker got a TON of great gifts and I have to be honest, Kris and I where a little concerned for Santa (tough competition!).

Above is a silly picture of the 4 of us (if you look closely you can see Maggie's nose poking out) with all Ryker's new trucks.

Present opening was so much fun this year!! Ryker got right down to business and surprisingly never lost interest, he opened every single gift (not in a record time but he opened all of them!).

This picture says it all! Ryker kept saying, "This is hard work!" as he tore through all his gifts ;)

My babies :)

From start to finish I think it took Ryker about 2 hours to complete his present opening (no joke!), had to stop and play with all his new stuff along the way.

I loved that each gift was as exciting as the next for him (so much fun to watch!).

Showing off his new Combine!

He very willingly showed off each and every new item of clothing (so cute!)!

Finally someone else's turn (thanks to everyone for being so patient)!

Above is a picture of Ryker trying out TiTi's new Hunter boots!

One of his favorite gifts (besides the trucks of coarse)!

Kids never seize to amaze me, it's the simplest things that matter to them. With all the new toys he chooses to play in a box :)

His first big boy sled (too bad we didn't have any snow for him to go sledding in).

Being silly with Uncle Larry (no one puts on a smile on his face like his Uncle Larry).

Egg Race with Dada!

Our afternoon was filled with 7 events (we teamed up per couples):

1. Mrs. Claus Hershey Kiss Relay Race (had to unwrap a Hershey kiss with oven mitts on and eat it.....first done=win)

2. Elf Bowling

3. Rudolph Antlers (had to blow up balloons and stuff them into pantyhose and place it on your head like antlers.....first done=win)

4. Christmas Orange Peeling (Peel an orange and eat it....first done=win)

5. Grinch Pictionary

6. Turtle Dove Egg Relay Race (as pictured above)

7. Santa's Milk and Cookies Contest (one teammate was blindfolded while the other teammate gave them samples of food found in the kitchen....team to get the most right=win).

I didn't capture a ton of pictures during our Olympics festivities (we looked pretty ridiculous) but we all really did have a good time.

Kris and I of coarse killed most of the events but we did end of tying Sharon and Josh for the final win of the day ;)

Ryker participated 2, Uncle Larry gave us some good competition but.........

he was born with his mama's competitive blood in him, so......

of coarse WE WON!!!!!

Kris and I made sure to get Ryker home in time to spread the Reindeer food on our front lawn for the reindeer.

This adorable handmade Reindeer food was given to us from Kris's Aunt Kim (thanks Kim). Apparently Santa sent her the recipe (oatmeal + glitter) so that we could feed the Reindeer while Santa dropped off the presents.

Sprinkling the reindeer food on the front lawn for the Reindeer ;)

So cute and so fun.......!

Next, we picked out our cookies to leave out for Santa. Ryker was very picky as to what ones he wanted Santa to eat.

Above is a picture of Ryker's letter to Santa and the cookies we left out for him. Ryker insisted that we leave them on the floor right next to the fireplace so that Santa would see them :)

What a great way to kick off Christmas!

Thanks for a great fun filled day filled with a ton of presents for our little monkey!!!