Christmas jammies

We all got fun jammies to wear on Christmas. Will and Nate had trains (Nate in blue) and Derek had penguins. We tried to get all of them together wearing their jammies but well you can see the results. We had a lovely morning. Derek and I took turns telling the Christmas story. We opened gifts in batches so D could have fun playing with new things without being overwhelmed. Will and Nate got some toys that they are going to share with Derek (our attempt at working on sharing).

We played all day. We had a great dinner of ham, mashed potatos, stuffing, homemade rolls, and green beans. It was a relaxing day. It was a great week of having fun with Daddy at home.

High School

We took Derek to see Christmas lights on his birthday and we drove past the high school. Since then he is obsessed. Now high school is the place to study (I guess the school took over for the plane from the last few months). High school is on our bed. Derek loves to run to high school (his words). He jumps up on the bed and start studying with Daddy. This happens every night per Derek's request. It is where D learned all his letters and is now working on sight words (thanks for the great gift Auntie Alli) and phonics. He thinks it is a great time with Daddy and Daddy is a great teacher. Of course at some point Will and Nate end up in there and try to eat the letters. I love how Mike turns educational opportunities into great fun. It is great that Santa brought D a backpack for him to take to school. It is a little big but he loves it (Santa may have a bit of help). It is a fun combination of D's imagination and time with Daddy. Yes, the chicken go too (they are still with us).

All together

This is how it usually is around here. We are all within 5 feet of each other. Will and Nate crawl after us wherever we go and we just all end up in the same place.

Derek is 3!

Our Derek is 3! 3 years ago our lives were completely changed and we love it. Derek is such a great kid and so fun to be around. Derek loves to sing all day. He is a great big brother. Lately when we put Will and Nate to bed, Derek comes in and kisses each one. Good night Will good night Nate, I love you, see you when you wake up. Mommy need anything? Then he is out of the room jumping and singing. We are proud of his kindness to others and his sweet spirit. Derek you make us laugh everyday with your comments. You are a great snuggler and very affectionate with all of us. We have loved watching you become 1 and 2 and now 3. We are so excited to watch how you grow this year. We are so thankful for the joy you have brought to our lives. We love you for being you.

Sorry Santa

We decided to take the boys to see Santa. We have been talking about it so D would not be scared of him. We tried twice this week to see Santa and both times we bailed from the line after estimating it to be over an hour. We just didn't think it was worth it. Both times we left to go get fun snacks. Later while in the Apple store, D found the big Santa in the display. I told D to tell Santa what he wanted. D giggled and talked away. It all worked out just fine. I think Mike and I were the only ones who missed the photo op. Both times we had fun snacks and fun together. We made the right choice. Good thing the gifts D requested are already wrapped- I mean ready for Santa to deliver. Thanks Andrea for taking our picture.

The gingerbread man

We have been having lots of fun with Mike home all week. D loves his Daddy. They decorated the gingerbread man. We celebrated by eating his leg. It is just so fun to watch D with his Daddy. The love in both of their eyes is sweet. D has a great Daddy.

Happy Monday!