Christmas

Christmas was wonderful!  Grandma and Grandpa Johnson joined us this year.  For Christmas eve dinner, instead of our own traditional crab legs dinner, we showed them what the Brammers do: Chinese chicken salad, bacon wrapped chestnuts, cream cheese pinwheels, chips and salsa, cookies, and Grandma made some shrimp scampi to top it off.  SO YUMMY!! (Thanks for buying all the groceries, Grandma)  We had Grandpa read the Christmas story and we all gave our gifts (acts of service) to Jesus and put them in a gift box. The kids opened up their new Christmas eve pajamas and new books and Grandma read to them.  Jace left a thoughtful note for Scotty our elf and they tracked Santa online all day.  In the evening they got messages from Santa reporting that they were all on the 'nice' list so they could rest easy.  It wasn't nearly as close as it was last year.  Last year we weren't sure if Jace made the 'nice'list ... to this day I'm pretty sure that Santa just took pity on him.  I couldn't help but remember the messages from Santa last year with Jace hiding behind the couch in guilt then popping up in shock and a huge sigh of relief to discover that he was in fact on the 'nice'list.  It was hilarious!!  So hilarious that we would have $10,000 from Funniest Home Videos if it had been recorded.  Only in our memories I guess.  Back to this year, we left cookies and milk for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer and the munchkins headed to bed.  Grandma & Grandpa joined us at 6:30 a.m. Christmas morning to see excited eyes eager for what lie ahead.  OF course the kids made out like bandits.  They must have been very good this year because Santa was very generous.  Shout out to Santa - you did great!! He filled those stockings to the brim with all sorts of treats and toys.  Jace got just what he asked for - Secret Spy Glasses so he can sneakily take pictures and video of whatever he wants.  He also got some speed racer bath tub boats and some walkie - talkies.  Brooke got an AMAZINGLY beautiful barbie doll house - that is taller than her, along with a new barbie and accompanying clothes.  Ty got a mini car track, stuffed animal, and a ball.  They couldn't have been happier!!  Santa even brought mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa some fun things.  Soon after Ty checked out his goodies he quietly crawled over to Grandpa and contently sat in his lap as if he's known him for years.  (After being here for a week with those two doing some major bonding we decided that they must have known each other in the pre-existence because Ty just LOVES his Grandpa.  For example, he doesn't fall asleep being held except when being nursed.  He likes his bed and very rarely falls asleep with someone holding him ... even for Craig and I.  It just doesn't happen.  Okay, he cuddled up in Grandpa's arms 3 times and zonked without crying or anything.  2 of those times in the same day.  What!?!  Craig and I were shocked.  They have a very special bond. It's adorable.)

Christmas eve dinner.

Christmas stories with Grandma.

Santa left me presents!!

Grandpa and his little buddy.

The kids opened their presents from family ...

Happy Christmas kid!  Jace is a sweetheart.

Thanks for the movies Aunt Katie and Uncle David!!

I LOVE IT!!! Thanks Nani & Grandpa.

This kid got a Rocking horse that sings and gallops and rolls.  It was his favorite gift.  He grinned and giggled when we put him on it and rolled him around the room with it singing "giddy up little cowboy".  Then he cried when we took him off.  Good job, Grandma and Grandpa!!

My new ball popping elephant.  Thanks Nani & Grandpa!!  I love it!

Thanks for the helicopter Nani & Grandpa.  It's been a whole week and I haven't crashed and killed it yet!

Brooke's Barbie house galore with all her princesses.

She likes to switch their clothes around.  Ty likes the barbie house too.  

Especially opening and closing the refrigerator door.

Scooters from mom & dad this year.  

Later in the day we enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner that Grandma had prepared at the Condo.  What a wonderful day.  

Katie and David - the kids loved the movies you sent and the new outfit for Ty.  Craig and I are excited to use our gift certificate.  You guys are great!

Nani and Grandpa - You did so much and we appreciate it so much.  The kids loved their gifts and we appreciated the money a LOT.  We love you guys so much and and wish you could have been here as well.

Jessica - WOW!  You were so thoughtful with each gift you sent.  Perfect for each person.  Brooke's sparkle shoes have not left her feet since she opened them ... I love mine too.  Love you, girl.

Grandma Sundberg - You were so generous.  We appreciate the money you sent.  It will REALLY help us out.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Julie - You didn't even have us this year!!  Ty especially loved those cute fishes you sent - and Jace has already watched and enjoyed the helicopter dvd Ben got for him.  We love you guys and had so much fun at the air show.

Grandma & Grandpa Johnson - You went above and beyond this Christmas helping us out to no end.  We loved sharing our Christmas with you.  Thank you for everything.