Holiday cheers and jeers

Just this past week we've really gotten into the holiday spirit. I put up all of our inside decorations at the beginning of the week but waited until Saturday to put up the tree so the boys could help. Matt put up the outside lights too, so our house is pretty much ready!

As with most things, Sam and Ben were mesmerized with the tree and the lights and all the balls, which they say over and over again when pointing to the tree. They were pretty good lil helpers and watched intently as we put the ornaments on the tree.


Ben's first encounter with the tree:
He closed his eyes and made a funny face like to say with delight, "Am I dreaming? Is this big thing really in my midst so I pull and destroy?"

Sam pointing to the "ball" on the tree. They are obsessed with those things!

Daddy and Ben putting up Ben's "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament from last year. Ben is quickly becoming quite dependent on that blankie:

Mommy, Sam and Sam's "baby's 1st Christmas" ornament. (Notice Sam keeping an eye on the "ball"):

Later that day we went to our neighbors, the Ballards, house. They had a cookie exchange/Santa party. This was Sam and Ben's first glimpse of the big man. Actually, they saw him last year too but they were only 1 month old and just sat there stuffed in a reindeer and Santa suit on his lap. We predicted meltdowns....and we were 50% correct. Can you guess who had one?? Who takes after his mom and is scared of everything???

Sam: What the....???
Ben: A present....for me??

Sam: "Oh, heelllll no!"
Ben: "I love you Mrs. Claus."

Sam: "Oh, wait, a present? Maybe this isn't too bad"
Ben "Her lap is soft"
Sam: "You got me a snack cup?! Whaaaaaaa!!!!"
Ben: " Mmmmmmm, I like snacks!"
ps- the snack cup has since become their favorite new gadget. It is WWIII if the boys don't have their own and have to share. This has also coincided with the discovery of Cheerios.
Happy family and Sam on Santa's lap:

Santa's getting the double death stare:

The party was so much fun! Thanks Betsy and Jake!

Two more meetings left with Santa this year. It will be interesting to see how those go. Sam better grow pair!