HMB Christmas

We truly had a fun, relaxing, and peaceful Christmas in HMB. We continued our tradition of making cookies for Santa, getting crab off the boats, the kids opening two small presents from my parents and had a mellow family evening. The kids were asleep by 7:30 and Adam and I had a fun night sitting on the couch, stuffing stockings, putting final touches on toys, and talking about all sorts of things.
Most of you know that I value good toys. I am also into supporting local businesses. I was able to get almost all the presents for family in town, but there are no great toy stores in hmb, so I went with my usual company in Vermont, Nova Natural...a wonderful family owned online toy store. Those around me know that I agonized over which presents to get my kids for over a month. I am proud to say I stuck to our budget, went with the less is more motto, and got both kids just a few nicer toys. Now two weeks later it is obvious I went with the right choices on presents. They are playing nonstop with their new goods, and at times you can find me or Adam playing on our owns with the different awesome blocks.

All set up, just waiting for the kids...

Christmas night Charlie woke up a few times to see if Santa had come. Adam went in to sleep with him at some point and I overhead...GO BACK TO SLEEP CHARLIE, SANTA HASN'T COME YET. Then around 5:30 I heard little feet run out to the living room. Kate was still sound asleep with me, but I couldn't stand listening to Charlie tear through his stocking in his room...he said things like: WOW A WATER BOTTLE. YES TATOOS. PENCILS! GLOVES....I could only take 5 minutes before I woke Kate up and got to see their excitement...

Santa was good to our kids this year. Charlie got a new big boy bike that he absolutely loves and flies on, Kate got yet another doll stroller. Third times a charm, let's hope this was doesn't break.

Like I said, I feel like I get mad props for picking up the best toys. Christmas morning while the kids were still opening their presents I caught Adam already playing with one set of blocks...

Charlie's big present from us was his very own wooden shield and dagger. Both kids have been consumed by dress up play, and I knew this would be the perfect addition. Each kid also got the cutest lego headlight from my parents...which I have since used as a night light while reading.

Charlie loves to think up gift ideas to get people and he is very good at it. Last year for Adam's birthday he wanted to get Adam his very own tennis courts in our backyard. When I asked him what he wanted to get Kate, he whispered in my ear...a princess doll. I was very excited when I found this adorable cloth princess doll at a cute toy store in Davis. They have both enjoyed playing with this doll together.

Kate told me she wanted to get Charlie something having to do with superheroes, so I found the perfect book for him. He claims it is his favorite present of the year.

Aunt Kate treated Kate to some cute bags and nail polish....After painting all her fingers and toenails every color I thought we were done for the day, or at least for a while. Then I heard, "Don't worry Mommy I being really careful." My mom and I looked over at her and yes it is true her left hand was being very careful while holding the brush, but her right hand was holding the bottle, upside down....pouring the entire contents of the bottle onto my mom's rug. whoops.

Charlie's idea for my mom...knitting needles..

And for my dad...coffee mugs. I was impressed that Charlie thought of coffee mugs for my dad.

My favorite gift of the year. new rain boots.

Kate was curious about this big present from my parents...

Inside the box she scored a cute shopping cart and groceries to add to her kitchen.

Charlie got this wonderful gift from my parents....a air hockey table...we have all taken turns playing, and no it was no surprise to any of us when we saw how good Charlie is at the game.

There have been quite a few times since xmas where I didn't know where the kids were. Upon investigation I would find them in the playroom with the door closed playing air hockey with each other. LOVE to peek in and see this...

And the top toy this year goes to these amazing magna tiles my parents got for the kids. They are magnetic and provide hours of endless fun. We have made buildings, houses, spaceships, castles, entire towns. This picture was taken just a few minutes ago. As soon as breakfast was done this morning they both raced to the rug to start building. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Last year we went quantity over quality. We had access to free gifts through a promotion at Adam's work and went nuts. This year we stayed simple yet fun. Rainboots, blocks, a bike, a stroller, and dress up clothes. I will never go back to lots of toys that end up in the closet.
Hope you all had a great time with your families and happy New Year!