The Wait Is Over.........

Captain Luke...Captain Rex

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Yes, the wait is over for this year. Christmas has finally arrived. And no we weren't just waiting for Christmas presents, but for the true purpose of Christmas!  We celebrated the birth of Jesus by retelling the story many times, especially by going through the Way of Lights, reading the story, attending mass during Advent, giving presents to those families that needed it the most, decorating the house (even though Joshua felt like we did not decorate as much this year as we did in past years), watching our favorite Christmas shows like Little Drummer Boy, Frosty the Snowman and even watching a few new ones.  We introduced Onyx to Santa Paws which has been a favorite of ours, too.

Joshua playing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Something new that was added to our Christmas celebration this year was Joshua playing the piano. He volunteered to play the piano at school during the Christmas sing along. He played Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in front of a crowd of about four hundred students and more adults. Joshua was thrilled to perform. He picked out his best clothes - a suit and tie with his best Sunday shoes (actually his only Sunday shoes!). There were six other children that layer the piano and one that played the violin. It was awesome! Joshua was the last to play. He could hardly wait for his turn. His special friend, Sophia, played first and he followed her. He proudly walked up with his piano book, sat down and played his heart out. After the song,he looked at his music teacher to see if y some chance, she wanted him to play another song. He stood up and bowed. Then, he went back to his seat. And yes, I was one proud mommy! We were lucky that Dad got to see the performance, too.

Luke and the candy cane man

Joshua was also scheduled to play Christmas music at the assisted living center where Grandma lives. Once again, he could cold hardly wait for his moment. Luke accompanied him this time. Luke was dressed in his Phineas and Ferb pajamas, a Santa hat, and carrying a reindeer bag full of candy canes. Luke was Santa's little helper. Besides looking. Melt.y adorable, Luke gave candy canes to anyone that looked his way, delivered with his beautiful smile and a " Ho Ho Merry Christmas!". Yes, once again we were very proud parents. There was also one very proud Grandma and Aunt there, too.

Christmas Eve was more low key than usual. Nana and Aunt Lisa came over to see us! It was a special visit, the first time they have been to our new house. They brought loads of gifts for you, too. Way too much in fact. These boys are so spoiled. After a nice visit, we ventured to Christmas Eve mass. There is another whole story to tell here, but I am not going to write it here. Let's just say that Luke and I went back to church on Christmas Day as an opportunity for him to show me how to behave appropriately at church. I enjoyed hearing another Christmas message, and the special time Luke and I had together.  :)

Daddy & Joshua with their Red Ryder BB guns

On Christmas Day we had a lazy day at home.  Grandma Nichols and Grammy and Papa came to our house to celebrate Christmas.  You both loved showing off your new toys.  Joshua received a Red Ryder BB gun, plastic pellet guns, a Jedi robe, Lego sets, Connect Four, Trouble, Checkers, Tic Tac Toe, a remote control car....I could go on and on.  Luke received a special Batman book starring him, Joshua and all of his cousins, an electric keyboard, Lego sets, Lego Walkie Talkies, a Captain Rex costume and so much more!  Yes, you were both definitely spoiled. 

Grammy & Luke with Scout

The day after Christmas led us to Branson to spend the last week of the year as we usually do most years.  I love you to the moon and back and back again!

Love,
Mama