Jake and Brady Central: Merry Christmas

This is absolutely my least favorite part of Christmas. The part where it's over. We had such a great time, that I just don't want it to end. The boys were so much fun to be around these last few days. Not that they aren't always rockin' little dudes, but...this was Christmas. They turned it up a notch. Hugs, smiles, laughs, and sweetness were everywhere you looked.

We started off our Christmas at Great Grandpa Voeller's on Christmas Eve. The boys got to spend some great time with their ol' buddy and lots of family. They sampled just about every little snack there...and sampled again. It was really great to see the young fella up to his old tricks again, walking around and telling jokes. I am convinced he is simply more than human but less a God.

Mimi & O's was our next and final stop for the night. The boys ate meat pies, tamales, beans and rice, and bunch of other good stuff. They played with all their usual favorites and caught up with Aunt Annie. Then they got to open their presents and give the grandfolks their gifts. The boys went home loaded down with gear, full bellies, and smiles on their faces.

When we got home, the boys and I put on our new Christmas PJ's Mommy got us. Then we put out the gingerbread men and cookies the boys made, along with a huge mug of hot chocolate. The boys each wrote Santa a little note to let him know the treats were for him. How thoughtful. Then it was time for Mommy and I to read our traditional books to the boys. Mommy read The Polar Express, and I read The Night Before Christmas. By the time we finished, the boys were ready for bed. It has become routine for the boys to talk and chitter chatter for a little bit before conking out, but not last night. They hit the pillow hard without a peep. Sugar plums and all that junk.

B got up first this morning at 7:30. I walked out and found him peering down from the railing at the presents below. He saw me and screamed out, "Wow, look at all the stuff Santa brought!" I still can't believe he got up before Jake. Brady went in and woke big brother up and then it was game on. Santa apparently used his magic to light a nice fire on his way back up the chimney, as a special treat to let the boys know they had been extra good this year. Nice touch. The guys tore into their stockings and found a bunch of cool stuff. Then it was off to see about all those presents under the tree. Santa got them lots and lots and lots of stuff...but most importantly he came through with a few things they really wanted. Brady got his Ant Farm, Jake got his High School Musical 2 DVD, and they both got the Wii. Santa sure could have saved some money if he'd have known the reaction those three gifts would get. Everything else was just gravy.

The boys had the whole morning to tear into their stuff and give it all a good hearty playing with. We had no where to be until 3PM so it was super nice to relax and let them do what they do best. After all that, we headed over to Ma and Poppy's for Christmas dinner. As always, a crazy big gathering and crazy good food. Until I met my beautiful wife, I would have thought Italian food at Christmas was pretty nutty...but now it's one of the things I have come to crave. Of course, this year I had to just stick with meat balls, roast, and salad...but it was mighty fine nonetheless. Mommy and the boys ate their fare share of all the good stuff, so I know it was as awesome as always. After supper and playing outside forever, everyone opened gifts and more gifts. The boys got even more cool stuff once again. Good grief.

In conclusion, our house is now about 400 square feet smaller due to the boxes and toys strewn about. Our bellies and hearts are full. The boys are resting peacefully in their beds. My beautiful wife is just about to fall asleep on a couch about 10 feet from me. I am probably 30 seconds from passing out face down on the keyboard. Oh and one last but not least thing, Happy Birthday Jesus.