Ben's birthday at school

Ben's first day back to school after our trip also happened to be his birthday. He wanted to celebrate with his friends at school so Jack and I brought cupcakes for the class. I wasn't sure how Ben would like being the center of attention but as you will see in the video, I think he liked it.

Christmas Eve

The past 2 years for Christmas, we have traveled. We decided awhile ago that we wanted to be home for Christmas this year. To not have to make a long car trip, worry about fitting everyone's presents in the car or deciding whose house we would be spending the holiday at. Christmas eve here was spent hanging out at home. We all went to evening mass and then came home and enjoyed a nice dinner together. Ben and Jack each got to open up one present from us (the rest of the gifts are from Santa).

After we got home from church

Could he be any cuter, really?

watching a Christmas movie before dinner

after dinner, we told the boys it was time to open a present so Jack went and sat on it

they each got a new backpack filled with fun stuff

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

Our Christmas tree went up a little late this year. Because we were gone for the first half of December, we didn't put up our tree until last weekend. Growing up, I loved decorating our tree. It was a family tradition, we would do it the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year. My mom would spend all day setting it up and putting the lights on while we waited in anticipation to be able to put the ornaments on. We would always order pizza for dinner and once we were done eating, it was time to decorate. We would each pick out a new ornament each year to add to our collection. It was always a great time and I cherish the memories I have of it.

Ben was getting impatient waiting all afternoon and evening

While Ben was having a fun time, Jack was not feeling well and a little grumpy

Ben put a lot of our ornaments on the tree. All within a foot of each other.

The finished product. I think it turned out wonderful and have enjoyed it very much for the past week.

Notice anything odd about this picture...

On Wednesday, Ben went "shopping" at school. Each child was able to pick out gifts for their family and then the teacher helped them wrap the gifts and put name tags on them. This is what Ben brought home with him. I asked him if Jack was getting a gift and he said "no, Ben's getting one instead." Oh my, we have a lot to work with him on regarding the meaning of Christmas and giving.

This is what makes me happy

I love spending time with family! Being with them makes me realize how much I miss having family close by. I loved seeing Ben and Jack play with their cousin. I loved spending time with my sister. I loved seeing how happy my parents were to be with their grandsons.

Our first night there, the boys all eating pumpkin pie

It's a scary thought that Ben is the "leader" of this pack of boys

Having the 3 boys together made her so happy. Just wait until she has all 4 boys together!

oh my, they are so cute together!

The 3 boys played for so long on the slide in Luke's room

The boys discovered the light switch and thought it was funny to turn the lights off on us. The next two pictures were taken when it was pitch black in the room.

Luke snuck into our bed

Ben and Jack had fun throwing "stinky" socks at grandpa

About to go outside to make s'mores on the fire pit

It was freezing out there!

Jack didn't last long and then after awhile, Ben informed me that I had to go inside because it was "boy" time out there

Ben and Jack opening of Christmas presents from Sarah, Chad and Luke

Look how excited Jack is

We spent time with my grandparents. I always enjoy seeing them.

Ben and Jack's favorite thing to do while visiting them, ride on the golf cart

This is probably what it would be like if we had another baby... 3 boys!

We spent the night up at my mom's house. Besides the windy roads to get up there, we all really enjoy it.

The boys fed peanuts to the birds

There was some cold mountain air up there

Jack helping Tom fill up the bird feeder with peanuts

The next night we spent at my dad's house

Ben opening up birthday gifts

We sure our lucky to have a great family (on both sides). Ben and Jack have so many people who love them.