Merry Christmas!

A first peek.  He came, he came!  Santa came!

Evidence.  A footprint from Santa's boot!

The boys were beyond excited to see the tree and all of the presents under it.  They received everything that they could dream of, and more!  We spent the day together playing, racing, building, snacking and even took a walk with the pups around the neighborhood.  It was a beautiful day weather wise, too with temperatures reaching the mid 606's!

We celebrated Ruby and Louise's 2nd birthdays too with special treats!

We thought about birthday hats, but they would just try to eat them!  Even though they are 2 now, Ruby and Louise are still puppy like in that they will eat anything and everything that they can get!  They are still sequestered to the hearth rooms and kitchen!

We enjoyed a special meal together in the dining room!  Prime rib and mashed potatoes were on the menu this year!

The stockings were hung.....

Christmas Eve.  A very special night that we spend with our friends the Basiles.  It's been one of our most favorite Christmas traditions.  Before we left for their house we prepared our home for Santa! 

The boys opened their first present, new pjs!

All dressed up for Christmas Eve mass.

After mass we headed over to the Basile's home for food, drinks and fun, and a few presents for the kids as well!

Back home again, setting out milk and cookies for Santa.

Goodbye Jimmy, we will see you again next year!

Jimmy has been busy keeping an eye on the boys and making sure they have been behaving during the month of December!  It's a big job!

All is calm, all is bright.

Carols and Cocoa

Eric and I were treated to a piano recital from our boys.  We enjoyed  a cup of cocoa while listening to  Christmas carols.  

Christmas Around Indy

The evening we returned home from Illinois we stopped off in Downtown Indy to see the lights on Monument Circle at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.  This was a first for our family.  We've driven by each year but never took the time to actually walk up to it!  Luckily, I had my camera with me to take a few pictures!

We had dinner at PF Changs around the corner from the circle then had a chance to see the lights after sunset.

School is out now for Christmas break!  It's so nice to have a little time before Christmas to do a few of our favorite holiday things.  We visited the Eiteljorg Museum to see the special Jingle Rails exhibit- a neat model train display of popular natural treasures from the west all made out of items found in nature -like twigs, moss and nuts.  

There is even a special area depicting Indianapolis favorites, like Monument Circle!  

Later that afternoon we visited the Indiana State museum, another favorite of ours.  

Long before we moved to Indiana there was a famous department store L.S. Ayres in downtown Indy that was known for their beautiful Christmas store front windows, and also a train that kids could ride on to visit Santa.  The State Museum has a beautiful display depicting the the windows from L.S. Ayres and the train for kids to ride on as well.  

The State Museum is one of my favorite traditions to do with the boys.  The decorations are so beautiful and it isn't nearly as crowded as some of the other places we enjoy going to.  

I have fond memories or taking the boys here from years past while pushing a double red stroller!    

A special skateboard exhibit caught 3 boys' attention, too!

That red stroller.

The boys have grown a bit since this picture.

Later that week we decorated our gingerbread house. 

Christmas in Illinois

We are fortunate to be able to see our families in Illinois pretty often, especially at Christmas time!

The weekend before Christmas we headed to Illinois to celebrate Christmas with everyone.

A visit with Grandpa Dan, Grandma Jill, Uncles Scott and Michael, Uncle Boomer and Aunt Angela.

We spent the afternoon at Grandpa and Grandma's house enjoying their company and lunch together.  

Ben can't get enough of their little dog, Cubby.  Here he has him trapped in a Ben hug.

I don't think Cubby was too disappointed when we left!

Grandpa and Grandma with the boys.  

Scott and Michael were so patient while the boys climbed, jumped and attacked them!  

Later that afternoon we headed to Uncle Dan and Aunt Deena's to celebrate Christmas with Grandma Bonnie, cousins Max, Emma and Jackson and Uncle Boomer and Aunt Angela.  Deena made a delicious lasagna that we all enjoyed!

The boys with Grandma Bonnie.  

The following day we celebrated Christmas #3 in Illinois with the Schraufnagels!

My entire side of the family was there, including all 13 grandkids, boy friends, girl friends, aunts and uncles.  Needless to say it was a loud, lively affair full of good times!

Grama and Grampa with the boys and girls (Holly and Pearl, their dogs).

It was fun to see our cousin Angela, too!