MORE CLIMBING... AND OVERALLS

Grey likes to climb up on the trash can at the end of their dresser and play with the radio. I tried to catch him in action this morning. And, document him in his way cute bib overalls.

I don't know why, but this picture reminds me of when I use to climb up the door jamb in the kitchen at Grandma and Grandpa Edwards.

He just said "Ta - Da". I guess he was excited that he opened the lid on the Diaper Genie.

A ROCKING CHAIR, A BOOK, AND "CHEEESE"

Grey is really into looking at books now, and he loves to sit in the little rocking chair that was given to us a couple of years ago by one of our neighbors. This evening, he pulled it out into the family room... I ran and got my camera.

Of course, Luke was feeling left out.

This was I shot that I tried to "pose". I told Luke to put his face next to Grey's and stand to that side of him. He's getting pretty good at listening to directions (wait 'til you see his Valentine pics).

But back to a Rocking Chair, a Book, and saying "Cheese"....

I know I say this A LOT.... but, Could He be any CUTER?!?!?!?!

WHAT CAN I SAY? REALLY??

Grey has figured out that he can climb up on top of the bookshelf. Luke never figured that out.

He thinks he's so innocent.

NEW YEARS EVE 2010

Like last year, we spent New Years Eve with the Myers' clan. The evening planned was to include eating yummy apps and pulled pork sandwiches, playing Pictionary, and just hanging out. This year, however, started out a little differently. It started with a Fashion Show.

Marc modeled his new Bib Overalls for everyone.

So ready to be the farmer.

The evening also included Giving. The Myers' were kind enough to bring a "Big" gift for the boys. Porkchop's facial expressions are priceless.

The boys LOVED their new Buddy L metal Dump Truck. Mr. Keith tried to give Grey a ride.

Luke made his rounds giving Thank You Hugs.

The evening, just like last year, was an Absolute Blast!!!! Porkchop finally pooped out at about 9:30, but Luke stayed up until everyone left shortly after midnight. Our traditional game of Pictionary was just as Rousing and Hilarious as last year. How Grey stayed asleep while we were playing, I'll never know. We had four teams this year - Me and Marc, Keith and Linda, Josh and Erica, and Taylor and Aly Judy. It was a VERY close race at the very end. Marc and I and Josh and Erica were tied. Whoever guessed the last "drawing" first, would win the game. The last word was "Song". Marc was drawing for our team. It was an Allplay, so all teams were involved. It was not a word that was guessed right away... but eventually... I GOT IT! WE WON!!! VERY LOUDLY!!! Again, how did Porkchop sleep through that?

Thank You Myers' for ending 2010 with us and helping us Welcome in 2011.

FINALLY... CHRISTMAS 2010

Sorry everyone for taking so long to get these pictures posted. With everything we've been doing to get the house ready to sell, and the fact that our internet signal has been really bad as of late, it's been hard to have the time to get it done, but today is finally the day.

So without further delay, here's Christmas 2010....

In the last couple of months, Luke has been getting up before we do, and then goes out into the living room to play. Because of this, Marc and I had to plan ahead, and try to be up before him on this special morning. So, we got up at 6:45 to get everything ready. Meaning, we had to get all the lights turned on, I had to get all the cameras ready to go, and Marc had to get the coffee brewing. The plan, was that as soon as we heard Luke stirring, Marc would go in their bedroom to change Grey's diaper and keep Luke from coming out into the living room. Wouldn't you know it, this particular morning, Luke slept until 7:15. Marc and I could have slept in a little longer. Anyway, we heard Luke waking up, so Marc went in to do what was planned.

This is the view from my perch on the couch. I'm posed and ready for the perfect shot of the boys faces as they see for the first time what Santa brought them. The little digital camera that shoots video is atop a mini tri-pod and is to my left on the end table. The video camera is on the big tri-pod, and is behind the couch over my right shoulder... all aimed at the boys' bedroom door.

Unfortunately, Grey had other plans for Daddy. For the second year in a row, Grey woke up completely soaked. So much (again) for the boys having on their matching Christmas pajamas on Christmas morning. So, Marc had to keep Luke preoccupied while he changed Grey's pajamas. Then, once that task was completed, Marc made them stand in the middle of their bedroom while he ran out of the room. I wanted Marc to also be able to see their expressions. Once he was in the living room and in position, he then called out to them that they could come see what Santa brought them.

Here's my perfect shot... LOL!!

Basically, it was a mad dash - too quick for the perfect shot. The video's show the moment so much better.

Grey went right for the kitchen. Luke went for the baseball gear and the "Cars" and "Toy Story" toys.

The kitchen was very intriguing. They had to check it all out.

They seemed to really like the kitchen, but were also very interested to see what else was under the tree.

First up - their new Back-packs. Luke's was Lighting McQueen.

Porkchop's was Buzz Lightyear. He pretty much wore it the entire morning. I can't even begin to describe how absolutely adorable he was walking all around with this big back-pack on that has little wings.

Back to the kitchen to check it out again.

Then, it was on to the stockings. Luke really understood everything this year, so it was such a joy to watch him. Here he is digging in.

While Grey was still preoccupied with the kitchen, Luke found Elmo.

Luke loves his Elmo... giving him a big hug.

Daddy, finally got Grey interested in his stocking.

Luke discovered his new movie - "Mater's Tall Tales".

Grey found his Super Bouncy Ball, and...

his new Stocking Cap.

Along with his back-pack, he wore it the rest of the morning. In the video you can hear me say how he reminds me of the character from one of my favorite books as a kid, "Who's a Pest?".

Then Luke helped Daddy with his stocking.

Luke was really good this year at ripping open presents.

Here he is showing Grey how to do it.

Daddy still had to help Porkchop a little.

The boys loved their new talking Woody and Buzz Lightyear. When you pull Woody's string or push Buzz's button they talk. One of Woody's sayings is "Hello". In one of the video's I shot, you can hear Grey quietly repeat Woody... "Hewwo".

To complete his already adorable fashion ensemble, Grey added his new Red Snow Boots.

I also got some shots of Marc opening some of his gifts. Here are his new Bib Overalls.

And his vintage Regal Beer Serving Tray.

Regal was a brewery that used to exist in New Orleans. Growing up, his family used trays just like this one whenever they were eating crabs or crawfish. Marc now owns three of these trays. We got the other two when we were in NOLA last March.

This is the one token shot of me. I just can't seem to get Marc to just pick up the camera, and periodically record the fact that I do exist. This is my new Reversible Vest.

Christmas morning was a big hit. The boys really seemed to like all their gifts.

Once all the gifts were opened, wrapping paper thrown away, and eating a small breakfast of donut holes, it was time to get dressed and get ready for our Christmas Day guests to arrive. After the boys were dressed, they wanted to put their back-packs back on. Grey was just a little confused.

Eventually, I straightened him out.

While Marc worked on preparing dinner, I set the table, using my cottonball Christmas trees as the centerpiece.

Finally, our guests arrived - Jim and Bonnie Usas. They came a little later than we originally planned, but Bonnie works for Fed-Ex, and had had a crazy long and hard week. She was exhausted, and deserved a nice quite relaxing morning before coming over to our mayhem.

They were kind enough to bring a few gifts for the boys. By now Luke and Grey were no longer strangers to opening presents.

While the turkey was finishing being deep fried, Bonnie got on the floor and played with the boys.

Then, it was time for the Christmas Feast. MMMM Deep Fried Turkey!!!

Marc is such the Carver Craftsman.

The food was Delicious. The company was wonderful. Again, so nice to spend the day with friends. The meal was a real treat for Jim and Bonnie. Neither one of them had ever had a "Traditional American" Christmas meal - meaning turkey, mashed potatoes, etc. They are both of Lithuanian descent, so their Holiday meals are always of that traditional fare. Who knew? I always thought everyone had either turkey or ham for Christmas.

Christmas 2010 was wonderful...

but, I'm already looking forward to next year. I'm sure every year that the boys get older, the holiday will just get more and more Magical.