The Christmas that keeps on going....and going....and going....

Since the snowy weather was with us, our 'usual' Christmas routine was altered and delayed. Normally we celebrate Christmas with my mom's side of the family at my Grandma's house Christmas Eve. Grandma didn't want any of us driving in the snow, so she asked if we could come the following Sunday to celebrate. Christmas morning was spent with just us.

Oh Santa was good to us!

Noah and Tyler opening their stockings.

He was much more fascinated by the wrapping and packaging than the actual gifts!

Mommy helping Tyler with his big present.

Noah helping Daddy open his gifts.

Noah really got into Christmas this year. He doesn't quite understand the 'giving' aspect of it yet, but he really likes to help open ALL the gifts and was very excited for the person receiving the gift (even if it wasn't him).

We hosted Christmas dinner at our house. My dad's side of the family came over. Unfortunately, my grandparents could not make it, as the roads were not cleared enough to safely travel. We ended up celebrating Christmas at their place a couple weeks later so they could enjoy the great-grand kids opening their gifts.

We were able to take a moment for this pic!
Poor Noah, he was SOOO hungry and then very disappointed to find out that he wouldn't get to eat at 'his spot' at the table.
But he really enjoyed dining with 'Spiderman' (Peter).
Tyler and myself.

Daddy and Tyler. Dave was such a good sport-he entertained the kids so that I could relax and enjoy my family without stressing about the boys.
Noah, Peter, Sofia (in the background), and Julia opening gifts.
Who needs toys when there is a huge box!? They loved playing hide and seek!
Sofia showing us where her pockets are! My cousin and I both wore this dress hand made by our Nana. Nana is so grateful we took such good care of the dress and loves to see her great-granddaughter wearing it.

Noah (2 1/2) and Peter (4) standing back to back to show how 'big' they are. Noah is almost as tall as Peter and is 17 months younger!

We celebrated Christmas at my Mom and Gary's the day after Christmas. It was really nice to relax and hang out with them and my brother.

We also received a great big package in the mail from Dave's parents.

Tyler is enjoying his music instrument! He figured out where the sound comes from and was trying to 'get it'

Noah is all wrapped up in his wonderful blanket made by Momma Rose! This blanket is so special and full of love. I love it so much that I told Noah he can use it when he is on our bed because that is where it is (until Noah gets a bigger bed)!

We had a wonderful Christmas season and are so thankful for everyone that is in our lives. We truly are blessed beyond words and I honestly feel as though I am living the dream.

Oh our weather!

Yes, I know it has been a couple weeks since the last posting. The weather here has been CRAZY! We had a couple of weeks of true 'winter weather' lasting long enough to have a 'White Christmas'! Below are a few pics to illustrate just HOW much snow we did get!

Here is the cooler, we couldn't even open the sliding glass door without snow coming into the house. I was going to go out the side gate, um, but that wasn't an option!

Here was looking out toward the street from the garage. Dave was at work and since it had snowed so much during the day, it finally dawned on me that if I wanted him to come home, I would have to shovel the snow so that the car would make it into the driveway and garage. Oh, that was some very hard work. There was a layer of snow, then about 1/4 inch of ice and then more snow!!

Our house (before I started to shovel the snow). You cannot tell where the yard ends and the street begins.
My neighbors car.

Let the melting begin!! This was the day after Christmas!

Noah is throwing snow at Dave. He calls the falling snow 'snowballs'.

Now that the snow has melted and the temperatures are above freezing, we have had A LOT of rain. We have gone from a winter wonderland to a flood zone with many rivers flooding or swelling very high. I hope the rest of the winter is much more mild!