Christmas 11

Christmas was spent as it has been in the past..all over New England. This year we were determined to make the most of it, get organized from the beginning and just enjoy our families and not worry about all the travel. Mission Accomplished.

It started Christmas Eve at Alex's moms.. Jake had a blast at Mimi and Grampy's - having people tickle him, chasing his older cousins, opening presents, helping everyone open their Yankee Swap gift, etc. We came home that night, left the trail mix on the lawn for the Reindeer and a cookie for Santa. Lo and behold, Santa left tons of presents that night. We woke Jake up at 7:15 am and the began! Each present he opened he exclaimed "I dont have this toy!", it was really cute. He was spoiled by Santa with puzzles, a large dinosaur, tons of games, soccer apparel, Croc boots and toys, toys and more toys. His favorite toy was the Ham from Toy Story.

We then went over to Mimi's and Grampy's house for breakfast and to see what Santa had left there. We exchanged there, ate awesome Egg's Benedict and Jake played with his new work bench. From there we went to Papa's house and opened up with the girls and his aunt and uncle. The kids were spoiled rotten by Papa..actually, we all were.
From there we headed to the final stop, cousin Annabelle and Olivers house. This was where we hung out with all of the Conlin side and even Yaya. The Yankee swap was fun this year..but more fun was the dance of with the Wii and the gymnastic mat. Jake seems to have his break dancing moves down pat.

Hitting the road again, we headed back to RI. Jake really wanted to play with his work bench which was left at Mimi's house. Alex promised him that if he was still awake when we got home we would head to pick it up. Jake's response: "I'm going to stay awake guys!". Three minutes into the 90 minute ride and he was passed out. Needless to say, we got the playbench the next day.

Speaking of the next day..Jake woke up yelling "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas Mommy!" the day after Christmas. We got him out of his crib (yes, a crib. still. If it's not broken, why try to fix it?") and asked if he want to watch a show in our room (a weekend routine) and he was having no part of that..he wanted to head downstairs to play with all his toys. He finally got to stay home and open each and ever present..and that he did! The house was trashed but it was so worth it!

In all, we had a fabulous Christmas weekend. Sure, it was tiring..but we wouldn't trade being able to see all of our family. Ninety minutes one way to MA is nothing..the memories made are priceless.

Pics will come once I get back to my computer..at the moment Jake has taken it hostage. He now loves to play on my Mac on the nickelodeon website. It is amazing to watch him play on it.

We are on the verge of 2012 and it's safe to say we are ready for it! Praying Alex gets a job soon, in the teaching field we hope. I will finish up my degree this Spring and cannot wait to walk across that stage! For my undergraduate degree I wasn't that enthused to walk across stage..this time I cannot wait! I just want to be done!!

Bring on 2012!!

3 days!

We are full swing into Christmas mode! School is over for the semester and that means one thing - Family time!!

We are hoping Jake enjoys this Christmas season - seems he really gets the whole Santa thing this year. Elfie has been moving around the house, watching him everywhere..in the bathroom, in his playroom, on the tree, in his stocking, etc. Saturday night he flies back to the North Pole with Santa..we sure will miss him! It has been really fun to wake up each morning and look for him with Jake..he loves it. The Advent calendar is a huge hit too.. every morning he opens a door and gets a small piece of chocolate. After naps he will say "Its the next day" and run to the calendar hoping for more chocolate. Nice try, Jake.

We will be spending time with lot's of family this weekend and look forward to it! What's better than all your family together for the holidays? Nothing.

If there is anyone out there who still reads this..we wish you a very Merry Christmas! May you be surrounded by as much love and happiness as we are on Christmas!

J, A & K

Photo Card

Sweet Little Label Christmas

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Jake's list this year...

When asked what to get each person for Christmas this year..this was his response...

Yaya- a sock
Mimi- a shoe
Rudolph - mimi
Santa - cookies
Daddy - a christmas tree ( a toy one)
Mommy - a Rudolph
Auntie Courtney - toys for Mia & Aubrey & Ashlyn
Auntie Shelley - a camera
Dana - jingle bells
Uncle Timmy -a star
Grampy - a light
Auntie Kaylin - shoes
Papa - some more toys for him
Rara- a computer
Cherly - some toys, power rangers & my big big friend. "we can both have those, cheryl and me"
Mia -toys
Bella -squeeky toys
Miss Pam - a lot of cats
Max (friend at school) - some toys
Miss Jeanie - one cat
Gramma Louise - two cats
Kayley -toys
Miss Adrienne - a box of toys
Jake - power rangers, my big big friend

Fa la la

15 days till the big guy leaves a boatload of toys for Jake-man. Today we got our tree and Jake got to see Santa not once but twice. He went to the movies with MiMi this morning and Santa was there. We then trecked to get our tree. We picked out a great one and Jake said "nope" .. we proceeded to look for more and the next two he said "nope" We then went around in a circle and made a big deal over the first one that we liked but he didn't..he didnt realize it was the first one and said "yes" to it. Ahh..the joys of trickery. Jake helped put the tree on the car and off we went home to decorate it. Not before another trip to see Santa though. The YMcA had him visit and we got some pics. He asked for Power Rangers. WE have no idea why he keeps saying he wants them...he doesn't even watch the show.

Alex is done with school. Done. No more studetn teeaching, no more classes. No more ! Well..not for high school..but if he wants to be middle school certified, he will take a few more classes. I am elated for him and can't wait for his certification to come in. I, on the other hand, am done for another week at least. So.over.it. So so so!

Our tree looks beautiful..it so fun to go through all the old ornaments and think about the memories attached to each of them. Tonight Jake pulled out his first Christmas picture with Santa..he pointed out that it was daddy dressed as Santa and not the real guy. We told him that Daddy was asked by Santa to dress up and visit with children..he told us he knew it was Daddy because "he has a big nose, and i saw it in the picture". Can't fool that kid all the time! ;)

We can't wait to celebrate the holiday season with lots of friends and family!!