Christmas 2011

Going to play catch up here. We had a fabulous Christmas in Knoxville. We drove over Christmas Eve morning- so nice to be only 3.5 hours away now! We played and then went to mass with my family and came back to my parents for a yummy dinner. The kids had a great time serenading us with all the songs they knew from school- Go tell it on the mountain, Jingle Bells, etc. They all got to pick one present to open ( a Connor tradition) and then everyone headed to bed to wait for Santa.

This is what the main tree looked like after Santa came.

 And this is what the kids tree looked like after Mimi and Goose came :)

They are way better than Santa!

 All the stockings

Jack opening his BatCave- the only thing he asked for and was so excited!

 Madeline wanted a crib for her babies. We are in serious baby doll obsession stage!

 Virginia Ann slept through most of the chaos- she is my late riser! But joined us at the end.

 Madeline and her bff, Aunt JuJu

 My parents wanted a family picture so we told the kids we couldn't open any presents under the kid tree until they took a good picture. This is how it started.

 But we got a few good ones! We are so so blessed!

 Mom and Dad and the grandkids

Madeline (2), Jack (5), Quinn(9 mos), Cael (2), Virginia Ann (13 mos) and Maeve (5)

 Big Squish

Madeline giving Maeve a thank you hug

 Mom has given Ryan a Nerf gun every year since forever ago. This year he and Jack got matching guns and Ryan and Cory went to town.

 It was a Batman kind of Christmas for Jack- sleeping bag, shirt, hat, rain boots, etc

 Maeve and Madeline bonded over their babies and played well together. Jack kind of got the shaft b/c he wanted to play with "boy" toys.

 We won this peeing Santa at a Christmas party and it was a big hit. It is supposed to be a liquor dispenser but it works great with water too!

 My mom's friend Patti got a new English Bulldog puppy named Walter. Madeline was in love!

 Goose and Jack in their matching polos!

We had a such fun time- lots of playing, eating and hanging out with family. Loved being at home- no place like it!