Christmas '11 (Better late than never)

Christmas was fantastic this year!! Santa was a big player really for the first time (for Van at least), The Irwins came in from PA, and we got to spend time at The Weagraff's new place in Loveland.

Van had busted out his "Night Before Christmas" book (one of the Hallmark books that read aloud to you from the giver) in October and read it so much we had to replace the batteries! I didn't mind. It's a wonderful, classic story, and I was happy he got to hear his Nana read it to him even though she was in Pennsylvania.

Soon she was here in person, along with PopPop and Kurt! They got to stay with Kaity and Abe in their new house this year. This meant we got to spend more time up there, too. Van really likes their house - not only because they have a new puppy, Maeby, who loves to play chase with him, but because it's blue! "Let's go to Kaity's blue house!" he says.

Christmas Eve dinner was at our place with ham, cheesy-potato cups and cranberry wine from our trip to Maine the year before. I also made a rustic apple tart (my first attempt) that turned out wonderful! Dad lent a big hand by rolling out the crust (I'm too short to get good weight on my pin). Mom got to just enjoy being "Nana" and played with her grandsons.

Santa came! Oh my goodness - such excitement! Now, lord love him for it, but Van's not an early riser for Christmas. He got up at his normal time (7ish) and came in to our room until Wes roused himself. Then we all went to the living room... where there were presents bursting from any flat surface! The biggest gift was actually from Nana & PopPop: a new train table! Amongst other things, Santa brought Van a soccer ball (the only thing he said he wanted when asked the seasonal question) and a Rody horse for Wesley. It was a lovely morning, just the four of us together, a beautiful tree and happy boys.

Later we went up to The Weagraff's for more Christmas and brunch. Van was just overwhelmed by gifts and excitement, as was Wes. They had a great time, and I'm sure everyone else did as well. Kaity had the forethought to put the award winning Irwin Seafood Chowder together the day before, so we had that as the main course for brunch - YUMMMMMY!!

The family was here for the rest of the week and we did lots of fun stuff like go to the Denver Zoo, walk around Pearl Street in Boulder, and checked out a few places up in Ft Collins as well. It was a sad good bye, but a great holiday.

Check out pictures HERE.