Holidays at Grandma and Grandpas

It has been a while since we spent Christmas in Rochester so all of Tom's family gathered together to spend the holidays at Grandma and Grandpa's. We ended up with 4 kids under 4 sleeping and playing under one roof which provided it's own excitement.

We got there Friday night just in time for some pizza for dinner. The kids did great in the car, much thanks to Noni's portable DVD player. The car was packed to the gills so that only Tom had free range of movement, but we all managed. Jeffrey slept for a short time in the early afternoon (we left C'ville around noon because Erin had her school party that morning). Other than that, they talked and sang songs....and watched Toy Story and Polar Express.

Saturday we hung out at the house settling in with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Jeff & Aunt Robyn and Rylie and Avery. We haven't seen Jeff, Robyn or the kids since June and it's amazing how much Avery has grown. That evening was the annual Noronha Christmas party across the street. The kids were very excited to see Uncle Gary and Uncle Craig. They even participated in the Christmas sing-along.

Sunday morning was Church with the family. Jeffrey made it through almost the entire service sitting with us. We finally had to take him out when he decided it was time to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in the middle of the sermon. There was no quieting him once his mind was set on it. After church we went back home to Grandma's for some lunch and quiet rest time. Erin spent the afternoon helping Grandma cook and entertaining baby Avery. Once Erin realized she could make Avery laugh by being silly with her Erin was hooked. She spent much of the rest of our visit trying all she could to play with the baby or making faces at her. And heaven forbid Avery fuss when Erin could hear her, because she'd be there in a flash with her silliest faces at the ready. Sunday night was dinner at Aunt Katie and Uncle Bill's. Jeffrey loved being able to help feed the doggies and even let Brinley knock him down.

We woke up Monday morning to some snow falling. We decided to take advantage of it and bundled up the kiddos for some fun in the snow. We walked next door and sang some Christmas songs for the Noronha's. There were flying snowballs, snow banks to climb on, snow angels and other fun. Then we decided to walk up to the elementary school and play on the playground in the snow. The walk was a little icy and we had some bums going down (big and little alike) but it was worth it. The slides were super fast and swings just as fun as they were in June. We only decided to head back when mommy's toes were starting to freeze. Otherwise I think all 3 kids could have stayed out in it forever.

The rest of Monday was spent getting ready for Christmas. There was last minute shopping, some wrapping of gifts and food preparation. We headed back to church for Christmas Eve service. I dressed the kids in their dress and suit from Noni. They were so darned cute all dressed up. Jeffrey wasn't sure about the suit but once it was on he was fine. Erin wouldn't even let me suggest taking the dress off before we went out to dinner. The kids scarfed up dinner at a local Japanese Steakhouse / hibachi. I'd swear Jeff ate his weight in rice and steak and even veggies. When we got home from dinner the kids got right into PJs and Tom and I read "Clown of God" for everyone. After picking out the right cookies and milk for Santa everyone was off to bed, while the adults brought all the presents up from the basement and arranged them around the tree.

Christmas morning was tons of fun with paper flying everywhere. So much fun, it requires a post in itself. We hung around through Wednesday. The moms and dads left the kids with Grandma and headed out to a couple of wineries on the wine trail. It was a nice relaxing time. That evening Tom and I took additional advantage of the babysitting and headed out to catch a movie.

While all the kids in one house could get pretty crazy it was a very special time. We are very glad that we got to spend our Christmas with that part of our family.