Christmas, Part 1

Since we were going to Connecticut for Christmas, we celebrated with Mikey's family the Sunday before. It really did feel like Christmas even though the rest of the world was frantically trying to finish up their shopping. The three of us had our own little Christmas morning together. William and I let Mikey sleep in (I'm sure the days when we set the present-opening time ourselves are quickly passing us by), and then we had cinnamon rolls and put a candle in one so we could sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. I totally stole that tradition from someone in a mom's group I belong to. I am going to keep it going because I think it's something that will really click with children and serve as a reminder of what we are truly celebrating.

We opened presents and enjoyed playing with our new loot until it was time to head over to Grams and Gramps' house. Our big gifts sat unwrapped in their house when we walked in, and I quite literally hugged the Dyson box. Who knew I would ever love a vacuum so much? I got the one intended for houses with pet hair, and boy howdy that thing rocks. Mikey got a new bike. He was very surprised and excited. We are picking up a used bike trailer tomorrow so he can ride around with William. I think William will love it. Mikey is totally balking at the idea of wearing a helmet, although I really think he should. All my biker gals - can you please tell Mikey I'm right? I know he's not all that likely to wipe out or get hit, but in the event that something crazy did happen, I would like for his noggin to be protected.

Anyway, here are the photos from Christmas, Part 1. I didn't take any pics at our house, unfortunately. But I did thoroughly enjoy the time spent with my favorite guys.


This puppy is such a cute old-school pull toy. It lives with Grams and Gramps, and I think William is going to really love it now that he can walk all over the place.


Thank goodness Grams had an extra shirt for W to wear while his outfit, which was randomly covered in spit-up, got washed.


All dressed again and posing in front of the tree with Aunt Amy


Three generations of Brown boys


After much trial and error, we have finally decided that Mikey needs to hold William in family pictures like this one. If I hold him, Mikey looks so much taller than us that he might as well have his head in the clouds.


Some girl time has never hurt the little guy.


Leighton, Jenny & Co. were in town for Christmas, so we took the opportunity to catch up with them and meet Zeke. Such a sweet family!