Holiday Brunch With The Girls

My friends and I have done a pretty good job of keeping in touch since our 2001 graduation from TCNJ. Although a few of us have since left the state (and returned, as in my case), we always make it a priority to get together at least once a year. Above, Kim, Andrea, myself, Kim, Elaine, Amy, Melissa (and Cate!)  We enjoyed a fantastic pot-luck brunch today at our house, and the kids had a lot of fun playing together. My boys are the oldest... it is so much fun playing with little ones again!

Above, Ollie, Evan, T, Morgan, and Samantha

Below: AJ checking out the craft area of our playroom, Cate playing with the trucks

 

 

Trenton could not get enough of baby Morgan. And Samantha would only let Ollie help her put her jacket and shoes on when it was time to go.

Later, I bravely put together this Hot Wheels monstrosity. It was totally worth the effort, though. I have fond memories of racing cars around a similar track with my brother many Christmases ago ;)

Christmas Day, 2013

 

"HE CAME!"
Yes, this is what they squeal on Christmas morning. Apparently, there was some doubt if he would follow through on his annual arrival...
This year, Santa used blue wrapping paper for T's gifts, and green for Ollie's. Very easy to tell which pile was which!
Oliver asked for a Ghostbusters Wii game, and got Just Dance 2014 (has the Ghostbusters song on it!)

de Pile 'o Loot

Trenton's strategy was to open his smallest gifts first, saving the larger boxes for last. 

But what he did NOT know was that Santa would wrap smaller things (like books) in large boxes!
Below, he reacts to one of his favorite gifts, Tin Tin Vols. 1 & 3

 

The Little Virtuoso Fiddle Violin... now he can play just like Daddy

...aaaand, let's be real here. Most popular gifts were a new DS game and the iPod Touch, which Trenton earned as a gift from Mommy & Daddy with a great report card.

 Later that day, it was up to Paramus to celebrate with the Wilsons. Trenton, Bryan, Oliver, and Grandma all check out a new maze game from the Marbles Store.

 Other folks keeping chairs warm in the living room.

Since we had an early dinner, we were able to drive down to Monroe and do a bit of celebrating with the Lacinas, as well. Look at the amazing sunset we were privy to on the Turnpike! Amazing!

 Benjamin, Barron, Brayden, T, and O

And Jack, Grace, Danielle, Cassie, and Johnny     

Pre-Christmas, 2013

Hello Konopacks! 

The Sunday before Christmas, we spent the day with Jim's folks and brother, opening presents, eating great food, and watching football. Below, Oliver reacts to the Giants' win.

And on Christmas Eve, we did the same at the Lacinas' home!
Below, the boys decorate their own gingerbread men cookies, and Tyronne and Len eye the appetizers.

We bought Mom & Dad new knives. :)))

And below, two little boys get ready for the arrival of the big guy! 

Had to leave out at least nine carrots. And reindeer food. And cookies & milk, and an LED head lamp, just in case Santa needed it to see.

"Too Much Motown!"

Because how cool is this snow??? 

Did I blog about the elf? Ours is named Adam. We have not had one until this year. Boys begged and pleaded (and paid for half of it). Anyway, he was a good elf. Moved each night. Not very mischievous. Returns to the North Pole in the off-season, so I can't complain. 

Taken at Trenton's holiday party in school. Long story short: The Supremes are singing "Stop In the Name of Love"... and Trenton is goofily saying "Too Much MOTOWN!"

Santa Visits Oliver's Pre-school

And here they await the BIG MAN!

Oliver's class sang a few songs for us-- "No Room at the Inn" was his fav... and concluded with "Must Be Santa"... which was Santa's cue to arrive!

Patiently waiting to open his box...

Which had in it a harmonica!

Now Ollie can jam with Daddy and Buddy!

Final pic taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus sneaking up behind Ollie ;)

HolycowThereGoesHalfofDecember!

Alright! Hello blog! 

I realized that the last time I posted, it was about Thanksgiving... and now it is mid-December!

So! Here is an update:

These two cards have been going out a lot. Sometimes together, sometimes with others. But dang, don't they look happy? ;)

 

Above: Oliver the magician; boys sleeping with babydolls

 

Santa visited our township municipal building... lots of games, carols, and hot chocolate.
Below: Freaky weather-- warm!-- freezing cold!!-- and a GIANT REINDEER in our yard!

 Took the kids to see Frozen. LOVED the new seats at the theatre. Also went to see the Nutcracker-- at the Paper Moon Puppet Theatre. They both got a kick out of the marionette- based production

Christmas card picture taking.  A little windy. And cold. Next year, remind me to take one in October on the beach. PLEASE.

We've had THREE snowfalls, which is significant, because most years it doesn't snow much until after Christmas. With most of these snowfalls, we have rain that follows... and thus one must GET OUT THERE and PLAY IN IT as soon as possible.

 

Trenton is participating in a Knowledge Expo for school. His area of interest that he's decided to pursue is SNOW. Above, he tries to photograph a snowflake.

 
Tell me this "Google Snow" feature isn't cool!!!
 

Didn't flip the pic above... but they are two separate letters to Santa from Oliver. Asks for a "shiny bell" as well as a "Ghostbusters game". 

 

Stud-muffin in his pictures for preschool, above... and getting his 5 year check-up at the doctor's.

 

Christmas pageant at church! Trenton had 13 lines and remembered all of them confidently! Oliver was one of the Three Kings and got to carry GOLD.

 

Boys at a cookie swap party for the MOMS Club. OMG every cookie was delicious! I didn't have to work too hard to convince myself that some could be considered 'breakfast bars', and eat them this morning, haha.

And finally, here are two little boys who are delighted to look out the window and see Santa noisily pass by on the fire truck. Merry Christmas anticipation!