Happy Christmas 2014!!

Finn is looking really stylish in his new outfit from Grandpa Morse.

Finn is trying out his new hat and gloves from Aunt Charlene and Uncle Tom

New basement hockey tarp from Grandma Mimi!!

And another stylish new outfit and vest from Grandma and Grandpa Carrithers

All six of us in our "Grandma pants" hockey pajamas.  This is something new we have learned about in Minnesota.  Nearly 100% of the kids who play hockey have at least one pair of these soft, fleece pants.  The boys wanted some so we got everyone a pair to wear on Christmas Eve.  

Super excited about Santa coming tomorrow!!

Preparing some cookies and chocolate milk for Santa.  We also left cheese for the mouse and an apple for the reindeer.

Boys are sleeping, Presents are wrapped, and stockings are full

Waiting "patiently" for Finn to wake up on Christmas morning.  The big boys were up at 6:20am!!  Finn decided to get started around 7:30 am.  

Christmas morning

Let the chaos begin

Hockey Jersey

Light up legos from our cousins!

Hockey jerseys for All!!

New hat and gloves from Aunt Charlene and Uncle Tom

Post unwrapping.  It actually looks pretty good since we picked up all the wrapping paper.

Day 1 of building non stop with only bathroom and food breaks!

We had six lego sets to build!

We had a very nice Christmas in Minnesota this year.  When you factor in the distance, the winter weather issues, and travel with four young boys, staying home is really nice.  While we enjoy visiting family and miss them over the holidays, it is so nice to wake up at your own house on Christmas morning.  We really played all day long.  The boys each got lego sets and we (primarily John and boys) built all six of them in about 3 days.  Luke built a massive Kinex racetrack with 600+ pieces and enjoyed playing Jenga.  Liam built two lego sets and loves his battleship game. Aiden built lego sets, lego guys, and played with his Ninja turtle toys.   Finn enjoyed his new racetrack, new clothes, toolbox, and record player.  All of the boys have played a lot with the new hockey tarp in the basement.  It makes a great indoor winter activity.  We are still having some issues with the ice rink this year due to the sporadic warmer temps earlier this month.  The ice rink really isn't built to be a swimming pool so all the melting and freezing has been an issue.  We are hopeful, however, that it should be up and running again in a few days.  Meanwhile, we have enjoyed lots and lots of Christmas toys.  We have so much to be thankful for this Christmas and we enjoyed spending it here without a lot to do.  It has been great to have a break of the normal work and school routine.  We hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well!