Four Christmases

This year our Christmas celebration started on December 13 with a morning visit to Grandpa Greg's. Greyson got a toolbox (and tools) with storage drawers "docking station," a old school toy and a book (Puff the Magic Dragon). He really enjoys his toolbox unit. He pulls it around the house. Great Grandma Neiusma stopped by with more presents. Two tag junior books and a Mrs. potato head (???)! As for me...I got a blender! I've been wanting one...and this one was exactly what I wanted. It has a setting for drinks and salsa!!! Yippee! I can't wait to use it! It was a very nice morning.

His tool box.

Puff the Magic Dragon book

Our next Christmas celebration was on December 20, with my family. We also celebrated Matt's birthday! Greyson received a cool truck/construction blanket from Aunt Jess and Aunt Whitney, Play-doh and a read&learn Bible from Aunt Jen and Uncle Patrick, and a cd and money from Grandma and Grampy. We haven't opened the Play-doh yet, but the blanket is on his bed and we read his Bible before he goes to bed. It was so nice to be in Michigan with the family and able to celebrate Christmas together!

His blanket

Opening his presents from A.Jen and U.Patrick

Chillin' with U.Scotto's phone.

Caleb and Andrew opening their presents.

We have to do a sister picture whenever we're together!

Our last Christmas celebration in Michigan was with Cris and Jim. Boy! did Greyson get spoiled - as is usual. :) He loves hanging out with his Grandma and Poppy! As do I! Greyson got clothes, a guitar, a leapfrog computer, and a semi-truck full of cars. Clayton (who didn't come with us to MI) and I got a 48-piece silverware set and coasters. We so needed both. This is just one of many positives of having Cris and Jim come visit for Thanksgiving...they always notice what we don't have and get it for us for Christmas. :)

Opening up his clothes

His guitar!

The computer.

Cheezy smile!

Greyson playing with a video camera.

Pretending to take pictures of Grandma.

"Cheese." "Tick. Clock." "Great Picture!"

We got back to NC late on December 21. We were so glad to be home. We decided last year that from now on we would be spending Christmas day with just the three of us. We wouldn't go anywhere - just stay home and spend the day in our pjs...and that's just what we did. Greyson opened his one present on Christmas eve (which is a tradition I "brought" with me from my childhood) - a book; The Night Before Christmas. On Christmas morning Greyson opened his one present from Santa (the only this he actually wanted for Christmas) a pair of Lightning McQueen slippers. Daddy gave him a M-16 and a gernade. Santa brought me a iPod and Clayton gave me a Tetris/Dr. Mario video game for the Super Nintendo (the best Christmas!). I got Clayton a Gold's Gym pull-up bar (which can be used for push-ups and crunches) - which he really liked!

Jammin' on his guitar!

Christmas Eve present

Tada.

Reading "The Night Before Christmas"

Opening his stocking...

His gift from Santa...

All his Christmas presents in one picture.

He's having a little too much fun shooting me!

Such cute slippers!

Thanksgiving Break

I love Thanksgiving; It is my favorite holiday! It's a time to be with family, celebrate what you are thankful for and EAT!!! That's the best part; I'm not going to lie. I made Thanksgiving dinner again this year and Cris and Jim were down visiting. We got to enjoy their company for 4 days! :) We went to Walmart a lot, played outside (the weather was beautiful), ate lots of food (not only Thanksgiving dinner, but lots of junk food), played Euchre, worked on my car (well, Jim did - THANK YOU!), went to the movies (New Moon and Ninja Assassin), and jumped out of a plane. Yes, you heard right. I went skydiving! So did Cris! Our first time! It was awesome! I encourage everyone to do it at least once. :) Then just like that the week was over and Cris and Jim were heading back to Michigan. We were sad to see them go, but it's nice to know that we will see them again in 13 days (along with other family members and friends). I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving as well. Next up...Christmas!

Two boys in a wagon.

Taking full advantage of the yard.

<3

Run fast, Daddy!

Taking off.

Love it!

Looks like a conspiracy to me.

Bringing it in.

Catch it.

Playing Frisbee

Maybe this should be our Christmas card picture.

Enjoying the 70 degrees.

Greyson is calling me a dork.

Greyson, Poppy and Grandma

Too cute!

" Playing" in the plane.

Such a patient boy.

Another successful landing.

Enjoying her time...

Here comes Cris...

In they go...

Cris getting schooled.

We can't even open our eyes.

Yes I'm strutting like a big shot.

A successful landing as well.

It's me!

Successful.

Jim getting ready to land.

Here comes Jim

Into the plane I go.

Last minute lovin'

Getting harnessed.

Signing my life away.

:)

I was having some trouble catching the ball.

Playing while the turkey cooks.

Wearing Poppy's skydiving goggles.

All finished.

Nieces' and Nephews' presents underneath.

Greyson putting up his ornament

Christmas tree up.