The Aftermath!

Christmas flew by so fast….here are some highlights from Santa’s visit. Justin loves the train table, while Ryan can’t put his Disney Queeny cars down and Darin is still trying to figure out why the house was crazy and then slept through Christmas morning! Justin decorated the cookies that we made, while Ryan taste tested - only the best could be left for Santa. Then after we left Santa his treats Ryan had to taste test the cookies again and then came back to make sure the carrots were okay for the Reindeer! Kids truly make Christmas so magical!
Usually after New Years is when we take down the decorations and organize. Since having kids that can climb the tree now comes down shortly after Christmas. They start taking off the bottom layer like it’s a huge fortune cookie that will give more toys and that starts the whole process! Except for our outside lights our house is naked now. Every year taking down the decorations it makes me a little sad that so much work and it’s over with so quickly. The ornaments on our tree make me remember stories from past Christmases. I have things my granddaddy made, I made when I was little, ones from my parents, special friends and Paul adds at least one every year to reflect something that occurred during that year (For two years straight we have celebrated a first Christmas). I even have a few on the tree from a parent that made one for us for a 3rd grade Christmas party and a couple crocheted from my first school bus driver– Bus 531. It’s nice to remember the stories even as we put the decorations away. It never fails once everything is in the attic and the ladder is put away then we notice like a box full of things we forgot to take down - camouflaged Christmas decorations...sneaky boogers! NOTE: I had to include a video of our outside lights timed with the music…Griswold is already plotting his next bold display for next year!


We’ve had some big changes too. This past weekend the boys graduated to big boy beds. We decided on a loft style bed to make the most out of our space and get all three boys in one room. It was easy for Justin to give up the car bed when he got the top bunk. Ryan reluctantly gave up the crib for the car bed and tonight was the first night he fell asleep in it from the start. Last night he rolled out of it, thankfully it’s not far off the ground. Paul went to get him and he was hugging the wheel, while sucking his thumb still fast asleep. As for Darin we tried him in the crib and he liked it but his graduation won’t be until after his surgery. Not only did they outgrow their beds, but we discovered that we have to shop for Justin in the youth department now. It amazes me how he has sprouted overnight it seems…I wish they could stay small for just a little longer!