Christmas 2012

Sophia and Andrew in the snow

Jeremiah's school Christmas break began on Friday afternoon, Dec. 21 so that was also the departure time for our Christmas travels. Our celebrations began with the Schnitzler family on Saturday, Dec. 22. It's always fun for the boys to be with their pile of cousins! After gift opening, several of the adults and kids ventured out for sledding on G&G's driveway. Andrew wasn't so keen on the sledding but he played in the snow, partly with big cousin Sophia. That night we enjoyed fondue, including REAL Swiss cheese fondue courtesy of Laura. (By the way, we forgot to mention that our Christmas preparations have also included an advent calendar filled with Swiss chocolates from Laura!)

Karl and Jeremiah sledding together.

Sunday brought the larger Schnitzler family gathering and even more cousins to play with! Andrew had fun with Alec, mom's cousin's son. Jeremiah likes to rumble with the "big boys". That evening we were able to attend cousin Karl's church program.

The boys started Christmas eve day by joining Papa S. for chores. Andrew has even become an active participant in this activity....finally! And, something changed in a 48 hour period and he even wanted to join Jeremiah for a few sled trips down the hill before we packed up to head to G&G Todd's house.

After lunch the boys attempted a nap while Mom and Dad helped Aunt Carrie with Christmas eve preparations. Andrew decided a nap was over-rated, even after being moved to Grandma Todd's room. Grandma showed her true colors when arriving home from work. Greeting Andrew in her room she said, "Andrew, are you supposed to be sleeping? Would you like my cookie?" Andrew proceeded to eat her cookie and then watch TV in her room.

Aunt Carrie joined us for 4:30 church at G&G Todd's church. Andrew determined that this was a good time for a nap. Honestly, it was probably the best decisions, given that church lasted nearly 90 minutes. However, it all concludes with the delightful singing for Silent Night in candlelight.

Daddy and Jeremiah spreading reindeer food.

After dinner, we shared the boys' Christmas program videos and then prepped for Santa's visit. Jeremiah and Daddy spread reindeer food in the backyard. (Thanks Stefanie for the special treat!) The boys put out cookies, carrots, milk and water for Santa and the reindeer. Then, Daddy read the Christmas story from the Bible before bed.

Jeremiah intent on his race track from Santa.

Andrew got Spider Man from mom and dad.

Chewy the cat and Andrew grabbed an afternoon nap.

The next morning, the boys checked out their Santa gifts and stockings, enjoyed some breakfast and opened gifts from mom and dad and a few others. Jeremiah was quick to want to play with his race track. They both played with Andrew's food and the Leapster from Grandma was a quick hit! The other Todd aunts and uncles arrived in the afternoon and then we opened a few more gifts. That evening Jeremiah discovered a new favorite game - Yahtzee. He quickly understood the strategy and won two games!