It has been a hip happenin week! With lots of family from both near and far, we have not had any shortage of Christmas celebrations, visitors and fun to be had!
I am a Christmas crack head. I am teased constantly and am willing to admit it. I love everything about Christmas and this year the spirit was contagious. We had a Christmas of all Christmas’s. Aiden and Chris enjoyed every minute of the preparations and anticipation. The magic was in the air for the weeks, days and hours ahead and yes, as you may have guessed, our Christmas started very early!
Uncle Danny arrived from Florida late Monday night so we were excited for his and Dziadzu’s visit early Tuesday morning. Aiden and Chris picked up with their “playmate” where they left off when Danny was visiting for the wedding last October. They tease, they tickle and they have a blast! After lunch we parted ways and packed up to head to the Hopkins house for part 2 of the festivities. It was a house full of laughter, cheer and merriment. It’s an annual tradition to open presents and enjoy Grandpa’s famous clam chowder. I am so loved that I enjoy a corn chowder Beth version that is right up my alley. It was a full house this year. Lots of attention for the little ones and lots of excitement to watch for the adults. The Senf’s were in from South Carolina and the cousins, Aunties, Uncles and Great Grammy Tag were there. It was pre-Christmas in full swing. We filled our hearts and bellies and were spoiled rotten before we headed home to start our Santa prep and bedtimes for the boys.
Aiden and Chris each chose a designed spot for Santa to leave their goodies. They designed special little notes and were quick to leave milk, cookies and a few carrots for the reindeer. We had the easiest bedtime EVER as the bigger boys both understood that staying awake meant that Santa could skip our house. The infamous “is it time to get out of bed yet?” checks started at 11:40 pm and continued through the night… excited???? I’d say so! 12:10 check….3 am check…. 4:50 check… and finally we caved at 5:40 am. We all remember what it’s like and I think Mike and I were as excited as they were. They rounded the corner into the living room and were beside themselves to find two – two wheeler Disney Planes bikes. Within minutes they were cruising around the kitchen {good thing Santa was prepared for this with training wheels all ready to go….} They plunked on their new helmets and were pumped. In all of the excitement they sifted through their stockings, dressed up in their new sneakers and adorned themselves with all things new. It was the ultimate Christmas. “The best Christmas yet” in their words. We had a leisurely breakfast before heading to Belchertown for Christmas with the Ptaszynski’s.
Aiden and Chris were so in love with being the only kids, hogging all of the attention and loving having so many adults around with all eyes on them. They were showered with all things wonderful. Soooo many new goodies. Again, spoiled I tell ya! The presents were piled high and it was so nice to be with the entire clan. Super Heros were the theme of the day and the boys were happy to sport new shirts, books, games and paraphernalia. We had an awesome dinner and sat around enjoying the company of one another. It was wonderful being able to just be in the moment. All too often I find myself thinking of what I forgot to do, need to do or should be doing. We put all this aside this week and it felt amazing. The day flew by and before we knew it was time to head home for bed.
Thursday we were thrilled to see Auntie Steph as we missed seeing her on Christmas Eve. We took the boys new bikes out for a spin in the morning. The weather was brisk but perfect. The boys rode for an hour, proud as can be while Mike and I trailed behind with the stroller and Jake napped. It was a peaceful, fun start to the day. We loaded up and headed to Mammie and Grandpa’s following and were thrilled to see the cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Great Grammie. Snow fell and the landscape was beautiful. We all snuck outside for some sledding, hiking and winter fun. After we were all worn out, we headed home for dinner and bed.
As the days whizzed by, it was Friday before we knew it. Uncle Danny came to spend the day with us and we headed out for another bike ride. The trail was a bit slippery and the boys mood were a bit worn down but we had a blast. I never complain about getting out to walk and the fresh air did us all some good. We had an awesome visit with Uncle Danny. He’s a great sport and the boys couldn’t enjoy their time with him any more than they do. We headed home and spent the day enjoying their new goodies and time together. As the day crept away, I snuck out after the kids bedtime to meet up with my dear college friend Dana. I can never get my fill of Dana as she is also from Florida and one heck of an amazing, busy lady! I enjoyed a night out with her and a few friends from her wedding and enjoyed a delicious dinner in West Hartford.
It was a week of adventures that carried into the weekend as we headed out for some groceries and errands Saturday morning before heading to Bristol for the day for the extended Ptaszynski family Christmas party. These holidays are seriously so special, can you tell? We have so many amazing people that we are so blessed to see. Uncle Danny headed back to Florida mid-day and his next visit can’t come soon enough. Aiden and Chris had a blast playing with all of the cousins and it was wonderful to catch up with all of my aunts, uncles and cousins. After we were home and the kids were tucked into bed, Mike headed out to the Tagliavini party. It’s always a good sign when it turns into a late night! Again, expanding waistlines, great cheer and a day that passed by all too quickly and then we’re into today.
The final day of Christmas celebrations. We had a quick visit with our cousin Whit and were thrilled to meet her charming boyfriend, Dan. The boys were thrilled to show off and so excited to share all of their Christmas goodies. We again packed up and headed to Belchertown for the Goulet Family get together. You would think Grammie and Dziadzu would be sick of us by now and perhaps they are?!? We had an awesome time catching up with family from MA, MI and NC and with lots of teenage cousins and fun aunts and uncles, A, C & J couldn’t have been happier. I seriously should have brought my sweatpants as this party may have put me over the edge but all well worth it {last year I got to cheat with maternity pants and amazing stretchy waist bands!}. We are spoiled beyond belief and wish we could wrap our family up and move them all closer so we could see everyone on a regular basis.
Phew…..It was an incredible week. Can you tell?
There is nothing like spending a week with those you love.
There was love and lots of it! It’s safe to say that we had ourselves a merry little Christmas! Happy 2014 everyone! I’m still working on “catching up” so I’ll be back with more….
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