We finally made it back to church today. Sadly, it has been several weeks since we've been to church. Between my crazy school schedule and Joshua coming home on the weekends, and needing to go back on on Sundays. It was great for me. I miss my weekly spiritual uplift.

So, we took the little boys with us, since our family of 6 (plus my dad) still does not fit into our 5 passenger car (Rick, we NEED a new car, or better yet a van). Anyway, while the little boys are away, the big boys will play...with their Christmas present. We came home to some impressive marble runs.

Nate is checking out Papa's building

The older boys working on their own creation

Oh the excitement of marbles rolling downhill...

When we got home, my dad informed us that we were expecting company. Two of his sisters were visiting his brother across town, and were on their way to our house next. Um, great, I have not cleaned up anything from Christmas morning. Nor am I in any condition to clean anything to the point of being guest acceptable. But, they came anyway, and it seems they had a good visit.

Aunt Ruby, Aunt Mary and my Dad

Then, we sent that little boys to Grandma's house, and Joshua went to Brandi's. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDI!!! We took my Dad home and Brian and I went to a movie, ALONE. We saw Blind Side. Awesome movie, two thumbs up. Take your kleenex.

Christmas Morning ~ Stockings first.

Santa almost got the right game

Another DS game and a new toothbrush!

Brian always get a funny pair of boxers

Last year Mom's stocking was left empty. So this year, my little sweetie gave me candy and this note. My boys are going to be awesome husbands someday!

Nate has been waiting so long for this

This is THE gift the year

The other BIG gift

Everyone got into building the marble run

It took a team to build this

Hmm, the directions say it should go here

Almost there

And it was still fun to play with today!

I think it is quite possible that Jacob is the only child who got this playset that was concerned that Osiris' and Anubis' accessories were wrong. Gotta love having really smart kids!

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house...

Well, the boys each got new pajamas. This idea of opening PJ's on Christmas Eve comes from a collections of brilliant mommy friends. However, I opted to do this this year, because the boys prefer to sleep in the their underwear (come on, this IS California), and they are getting a little too big for me to take pictures of them opening Christmas presents in their underwear.

Nate was not thrilled. He was excited about getting to open a Christmas present early. We are a Christmas morning family. When he saw the pajamas, he said, "Just what I didn't want." I looks rude in type. But, it was the funniest thing. Nate is not one to beat around the bush.

I think they are pretty cute pajamas, myself.
The boys playing in the living room floor.

Um, when did Nate learn to break dance?

We are some competitive Blokus players in this family.

The final viewing of Prep and Landing

The children are nestled, all snug in there beds (so is my dad). The stockings are hung by the TV with care. According to NORAD, Santa is in Minneapolis and headed this way. So, I should get to bed and let him do his magic... Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.