Four Christmases

I am totally stealing from the movie title, but it fits for our family, too! We are trying to teach Andrew about the true meaning of Christmas, and he absolutely loves Nativity scenes. He was a little confused at first because he thought the three main people were Baby Jebus (check), Gamma Mary (oops), and Uncle Te-te (double oops). After a few corrections, he now can tell you that they are Jejus, Mary, and Jofus. (Chris says that Jejus is closer because the 'j' is closer in the alphabet to 's' than 'b'... Sure, Babe, whatever.)

1st Christmas Eve at Grandpa Gesino's house: Every year we have a fabulous dinner and present exchange at my Grandpa's house (Andrew's Great Paw-Paw). From our Italian heritage, dinner consists of a delicious plate of anchovies and spaghetti (don't knock it- till you try it). Andrew decided to be adventurous... and eat two jumbo turkey dogs instead of the usual one hot dog. Anyway, the great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren opened their presents with youthful exuberance. My cousin Jill's family scored big time with some super cute sweaters for all the sweet babies. I will add pictures soon! (Like their mommy's and I used to as little ones.)

2nd Christmas morning at our house: Wow! Andrew totally gets presents and isn't afraid to unwrap them like he was last year. He got a new book shelf, a play kitchen, books, a ride-on giraffe, magnetic letters, and a new electric toothbrush. For all the planning, shopping, wrapping, and excitement... Andrew loved the electric toothbrush the best. We had to remove it from the room before any other presents even existed. Here's some of the excitement!

White Christmas! Since we had an amazing amount of snow for Christmas morning, we all got bundled up to go play. Andrew fell immediately and hated it. After the fall, we turned off the camera to help the screaming, freezing baby. Oh, well. There will be lots more snowy days to play.

3rd Christmas at Grandma Mary's: For the first time since 1968, Aunt Martha (Andrew's Great Aunt Martha) celebrated Christmas in Texas! We were all so glad to have her share in our joy for the season. We opened gifts and enjoyed a delicious brunch and mimosas together after opening our Shacklett family gifts. (Hopefully, my sister will send me more pictures from that morning because my camera battery died. Poo.) Here's what I captured!

4th Christmas at Grandma Sharon and Paw-paw's House: After taking a mid morning nap because of a fast moving migraine, I joined the family for some Christmas festivities. We opened gifts with Grandma Sharon, Grandpa, Aunt Lisa, and our crew. Everyone scored big time! Finally, we enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner of prime rib. Yum!

On a side note, my camera died earlier that morning, so I have no other pictures to share... hint, hint people who have pictures I want. :)

:)

Anne

PS: Technically, I can't be considered late writing this Christmas blog since my Christmas lights are still hanging on my house. Right?

PPS: Thanks to everyone for sharing pictures!

I miss you.

After a fabulous afternoon shopping with my mom, I returned home to my sweet boys. When I entered the kitchen, Chris said hi, and gave me the rundown of the afternoon. I turned the corner to give Andrew a kiss, and he said, "I missed you". All three words were clear as a bell and sounded just as sweet.

Hello waterworks.

I instantly gushed and called my own mom to share...then I took a picture to remember his sweet, ketchup-soaked face in that wonderful moment.

:)

Anne