Flexeez
We have been enjoying the best week after Christmas, even with the cold, rainy weather. We have been hanging around in pajamies, experimenting with all our new toys, snuggling the sweetest baby and praising him for his every accomplishment, cuddling up with great books (new ones and old faves), doing a bit of school here and there. I love these quiet, lazy days with my guys.
Jeremy got Star Wars, Episodes 4-6 on DVD. The boys have been dying to watch Star Wars, although I still think they are a little too young. As we wound down Christmas Day, Jeremy had the joy of bonding with them over "A New Hope." Judging by the number of questions asked, I think they were a bit young, but great fun was had by all. We now have a great many games of "Dark" Vader fighting Luke with his light "saver." So funny!
Ally and O got quite a rhythm going on their "drum sets."
Beth Ann was so sweet to snuggle with baby Jones for most of the day, freeing me to help in the kitchen and with the bigger boys. I think both Beth Ann and Jonesy were pretty happy with the arrangement! Here Jonah is checking out his new shoes from Gigi and Papa. They are darling!!
Mia and Nosy enjoyed a ton of dessert. That is one wonderful thing about Noah's new insulin pump. It frees us up a little bit with his carb intake and eating schedule. He was able to eat pretty much whatever he wanted on Christmas day...and we let him! The precious Boy couldn't believe it when we kept saying, "Yes, you may have another cookie...just like the other kids." It makes me happy and sad at the same time for my sweet kiddo who has gone through so much. 
O sharing his new Leapster Explorer.
Yes, Elliot, chocolate pie is like a little slice of heaven on earth.
Jonah getting some Gigi cuddles.
Papa explaining his new game to Owen.
Discussing what Santa brought.
Man talk.
It's always wonderful to see the Kidd Family!
This year, the kids over-took the adult table!
Mimi and Gongi have collected so many beautiful Christmas figurines over the years. The Boys are fascinated by all the tiny, detailed figures. Mimi is so sweet to explain special stories about each one.
Every year, Mimi and Gongi are so generous towards us. They ask for a detailed Christmas Wish List for each child and then shop so hard to fulfill their every wish. O was thrilled with his new panda pillow pet!
Nosy got quite comfortable on his dolphin pillow pet (chosen because it is blue).
Tickles from Papa.
Mimi and Gongi, thank you for making our Christmas morning so wonderful. We make such precious memories at your house every year. We love you!
A hug? Or a wrestling move? Sometimes it's hard to tell around here. These Guys really do love each other. This pic was taken right after they exchanged their gifts to each other, which is a post of its own.
Things I especially want to remember about this Christmas:
Sweet Nosy. His very favorite gift was a box full of very low carb gumballs. He put them, along with his sugar free mints, in a big ziplock bag that he carries around the house. The joy of it all is that he can chew his gum or suck on a mint pretty much any time he wants, since they are such low carb. So much freedom for a little boy who is used to counting and reporting every single bite that goes in his mouth. The most precious part? He is completely generous with his special stash, passing out gum and mints freely all day long. Pictured, he is eating his favorite blue gumball while sharing my favorite red one with me.
What a joy it was to give gifts to O this year! Every tiny thing he opened was rejoiced over, examined from all angles, and loudly declared to be the BEST GIFT EVER! His excitement and appreciation were genuine and followed up with huge bear hugs. His very favorite gift? His red plastic sled that cost a whopping five dollars. It's so funny to me to see what little guys value the most. This Guy is really praying for a snowy winter!
One more story about Nose:
Every. single. time a box was opened, he would hover over the gift recipient, saying over and over again, "It's not just a box. There is something inside. It's not just a box. Is it just a box, Mommy? It's not just a box." So funny, that one!
Jonesy woke up about 15 minutes before we were to make our first Christmas appearance, so he didn't even get to open his gifts Christmas morning. He wasn't too sad, though. Love those baby blue eyes of his!
Quick family pics before diving into our delicious pizza dinner.
We were so excited that Kyle and LouLou were with us this year! It's just not the same when they are off galavanting somewhere exotic.
Reading the Bible with Gramps.
Yaya got Nosy some authentic juggling balls. Jeremy showed off a few of his skills. I am sure there are some new juggling tricks in our future!
Tiny O is growing up, sniffle, sniffle. A few months ago, he mentioned that he thought his Sesame Street bike helmet was not grown up enough for him. It was for a little boy, not a half grown boy that is almost six. When I passed this tidbit onto Yaya, she was more than happy to shop for an appropriately grown up helmet for our Big O. He was super excited when he opened a manly green and silver helmet. It was declared to be "cool" and he sported it for a good part of the evening. Thanks, Mom, for scouring Toys R Us for the perfect big boy helmet for our little guy.
Reading the yearly photo book. Check out Mom's "bling": hand painted rocks and seashells strung on purple curling ribbon. The Boys could not wait to give it to her and she wore it with such pride.
And so I am afraid the day has come for your first real haircut. (I trimmed the back a few weeks ago after discovering a few pieces of hair that reached way past your shoulders.) I am a little sad, knowing just how grown up you will look afterwards, but it must be done before people mistake you for a little blond girl.
You laugh in the face of haircuts! 
Uh oh. You look a little more concerned now that Daddy's scissors are clip, clipping away at you. (photography by Owen)
Just look at how handsome you are! All three of you boys got spiffy haircuts just in time for Christmas. Your new do is so precious! I wish we'd cut your hair weeks ago. And many kudos to Daddy, the self-taught hair genius. I should seriously hire him out!
Meet our newest addition! I am so excited!! 
