Christmas!!!

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year! It was one of those Christmas' where I really tried not to take anything or anyone for granted. Life is short, and you just never know when someone may be taken from you. I initially had some  moments of frustration because, yet again, Brett was sick during the holiday. I was bummed because I wanted him to be able to enjoy Christmas to the very fullest - and for myself, I wanted to see that. Plus, when we went to my parents he was more clingy and needy...and that was hard when I wanted to socialize with family I don't see very often. But then it hit me. After the tragedy at Sandy Hook, there are so many parents that would do anything just to have their child with them - sick, hurt, none of that would matter, if they could just have them back, have them to take care of. Having a sick little boy on Christmas was a blessing, a blessing because I had him there with me. I looked at him and the rest of my family in a new light...each and every one of them is a gift that means more to me than any store bought present ever could, and that is what really matters.

Even though Brett wasn't feeling 100%, we really did have a great day. He woke up bright and early to a a full stocking and many gifts to open under the tree. How fortunate we are to be able to give him a Christmas like that! 

After opening presents and playing for a little bit at our house, we drove over to my parent's house to spend the day with my family. Matt and Amy were there, and later on my dad's cousin, Teri (who we hadn't seen in years!) joined us as well. It was so nice to see everyone and have a whole day together!

Brett was so excited to give my parent's the gift he picked out and painted for them...what could it be?!

"It's a firetruck, Yana! And you can put money in it!"

We took turns opening one present at a time, and surprisingly Brett did pretty well! Of course, he got a little antsy at times, but overall I was impressed!

I love my dad's expression in this pic! Think he was surprised? :-)

One of my brother's birthday gifts (yes, his birthday is on Christmas, one day after Brett's - the two of them are destined to be birthday buddies for life!) was this awesome antique pocket watch that used to by our grandfather's. My parent's got it polished and working again before they passed it on to Matt. A treasure for sure!

I absolutely LOVE the plates Amy got for me!!!

After opening presents, daddy duty called....time to help Brett put new toys together!

And then play with Uncle Matt :-)

I love this picture of my mom!

My mom is such an amazing decorator, I had to take a picture of her table setting! The pic doesn't do justice though...it was absolutely gorgeous and looked like something out of a magazine!

My friend Deborah makes this amazing chocolate strawberry dessert, and I loved it so much I gave it a go for our Christmas/birthday dessert. Despite a few setbacks (she really meant it when she told me to poor the cold whipping cream in S-L-O-W-L-Y into the hot melted chocolate!), it turned out pretty good. I'll give myself a B-. I will do better next time! Ha!

We spent most of our day eating, sipping wine, playing with Brett, eating some more, and catching up. We also took some pictures with "Cousin Teri". We hadn't seen her in so long, it was a must!

Cousins! I loved hearing the stories from when they were kids!

Teri surprised us all by bringing gifts! She is just too sweet! Kyle enjoyed rocking it out with Brett's new electric guitar!

And so did Amy! Btw..isn't this an awesome picture? My brother is a pro!

Although surrounded by new toys, Brett's favorite part of the night was picking sugar cubes up with the sugar picker upper thing. Go figure.

Pretty cool, huh? We'll get him that for Christmas next year :-)

We finally drove home around 11pm, and Brett fell asleep the moment the car started. We had a wonderful Christmas and have so much to be thankful for.

Brett's 4th Birthday!!!

After months of hearing things like "I want to buy that for my birthday!" and "I'm going to be 4 soon!", and "Is it my birthday yet?", the big day finally came! And despite the bad cold that Brett came down with the night before, I think he had a pretty great day :-) He woke up to streamers and presents all over the living room, and started unwrapping pretty much the second he laid eyes on all the gifts! Because of his cold, he was definitely more quiet than usual, which was a bummer - the poor kid has been sick three out of his four birthday's now, and it's starting to get old! I guess that's what you get for having a December birthday though. After opening his smaller presents, we brought out his big gift...a  Geotrax remote control train set and airport! Let me tell you, he was one happy little boy!! Later in the afternoon my parents, brother, and his girlfriend all came over to celebrate. We had appetizers and pizza (Brett's request) for dinner, played with his new toys and opened more presents, and of course, had cake! By the end of the evening, Brett was beat....his cold was getting the best of him and he was so tired from the exciting day, SO, we put him to bed at 7pm. I don't even know that last time he went to bed that early!

Opening presents bright and early...this rescue vehicle set was a favorite :-)

Both boys had fun putting the Geotrax together :-)

And here is the finished product! It may take up our WHOLE living room, but it is worth it to see the excitement it bring's to Brett's face. Pure JOY :-)

Brett insisted on wearing his new 4 year old shirt from Abby and Jackson. I still can't believe my little boy is FOUR!

After opening up a wooden Plan Toy Firehouse with vehicles from Uncle Matt, Brett did a little dance with his hands. He was so excited...and adorable!

Both Brett and Uncle Matt like to build things, so this marble maze kept their attention for quite some time :-) 

My brother's birthday is on Christmas day, so he got to open a present too! Brett was SO excited to give him the gift he picked out all by himself :-)

"Mmmm, what could it be?"

"Can I help you open it?" 

"Look Uncle Matt, it's legos!" Since my brother lives in Chicago we picked out the Sears Tower set. The age range is 5-100, so Matt fits perfectly in that category! :-)

Then it was time for some CAKE! Love Brett's smile here as he anticipates what is coming next :-)

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you..." 

Time to make a wish and blow out the candles!

And now to the best part...taking the first HUGE bite!!

Happy 4th Birthday, sweet boy! Daddy and I love you more than words can say!