Merry Christmas

I can’t believe Christmas is already over – December flew by this year!

Unfortunately, MJ’s Christmas program was the same morning as Catelin’s surgery; Grandma and Grandpa Eco were kind enough to go cheer him on.  He was so happy to see them there – you can see him spot them in the video as he smiles and waves to them for at least a minute!

Ty’s Christmas program was the Friday after her surgery so I was able to sneak out of the hospital for an hour to go see it.  Even though he knew all of the songs by heart, he got a little shy up there and decided just to shake/jingle the bells.  My little cutie pie.

Simie, our elf on the shelf, did a few hilarious tricks this year.  MJ continues to be “very impressed” with him.  Ty and Catelin also loved seeing what he was up to every day.



Catelin made her first “big” post-surgery outing the Sunday before Christmas when we went up to my parents’ house for Baking Day.  She actually did really well although she was pretty exhausted by the end of it.  The kids’ favorite cookie was of course Great Grandma Brown’s famous butter cookie.  I found Ty hiding under the table eating a wad of the dough!  That sneaky little boy (my mom said I did the same thing as a kid!).  They had fun using the cookie cutters and decorating them with icing and sprinkles.  It was cousin Camden’s first year which made it even more special.




On Christmas Eve, we went to the family mass at our church with Grandma and Grandpa Eco.  Afterwards they joined us for a delicious dinner at our house- beef tenderloin and king crab!  

Catelin was tired and went to bed early, but Steve kept up the tradition of reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to the boys just before bedtime.



MJ was a little upset that the fire was still on when we took him upstairs and insisted that I go back down right then to turn it off so Santa wouldn’t “burn his tushy.”  Hahaha :)  We also left cookies and milk out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer – specifically Dasher per MJ’s request.  

And then it was Christmas morning.  I was surprised that Ty was actually the first one to say “Happy Birthday Jesus” when I went to get them out of their room.  MJ was quick to join in and sing to Him.  It was so fun to see the anticipation and excitement on their faces as they waited to go down the stairs.  They were all very excited that Santa left them a note telling them how good they were all year.  And then it was time for presents!



Santa brought them a ton of gifts – they were definitely on the nice list.  Every year Stave and I also give each of them a present.  Catelin got a new kitchen – she loves it!



And we gave the boys a Dune Racer!  Here is a picture of them rounding the corner when it comes into view…





My family came over for brunch and gift exchange later that morning…





And Steve’s parents came over a little later for even more fun!



It was a wonderful Christmas.  We celebrated with Steve’s whole family a few days later when everyone was in town (except Andrew, Leah and Jax- we missed you!).  Somehow I forgot my camera but here are a couple of pictures Steve snapped with his Iphone.