Christmas, 2011

We relished this Christmas before the babies are old enough to wake up early and drag us out of bed and went along with our normal routine in the morning, spiced up a little when Uncle Kelly came to help with breakfast and getting the babies into their holiday duds.  He had booked some special one-on-one time so he could thank them each personally for the gifts they got him (it was a toy-heavy holiday for Uncle Kelly - I think the babies are expecting him to keep playing with them...)  

Seeing that Max had a little red tie to go with his outfit, Kelly disappeared downstairs, prowled through a couple of boxes, and reappeared with a matching blue tie for Daniel!  It was a little long, but we tucked it into his pants and covered it with his sweater vest, and he looked adorable, as always.

Max traded in his white shirt for a more festive green flannel to go with his red tie.

Ever practical, Caroline assured me she could get at least one more wear out of her fancy black lace dress before she officially grew out of the 6-12 month size (she is, after all, only 15 months old...)

She did seem a little upset about her bad hair day, though.

We set off for Livermore once everyone was ready.  Our friend Sam (and her son Junior) gave the 'teenies each a "Singamajig" doll and we slid them into the car on tethers next to each car seat to give the kids something to play with while we drove.  Caroline clutched it close and, for once, didn't cry for the entire car ride.  It was a little bizarre to hear the toys' creepy voices pop up from time to time, but everyone seemed happy, and that's the point!

Once at Grandma and Grandpa's, Caroline made sure that Auntie Lee Ann got a chance to see her fur coat:

The before-dinner crackers were a big hit with the kids - Caroline kept looking down at her hand wondering where hers had gone (hint: she ate it):

Daniel is hiding his tie in this picture, but he is showing off his amazing hair style AND a Grandma kiss on his temple (all day we had to convince people the babies didn't have scratches all over their faces, just Grandma's lipstick!)

Max on the move with a cracker

 Daniel drained a treat cup filled with animal crackers, while Caroline hung out on the step looking like she was waiting for the bus:

Not sure if she's fixing her hair or mastering her Charlie's Angels pose

Then it was time for dinner!  Grandma and I sat at the "kids' table" in the kitchen.

Max vs. the Mashed Potatoes

Daniel enjoying his sopa

Caroline practiced her stealth eating (check out her bib - her aim isn't always that good)

Somehow the babies were the only ones interested in the rose wine that was offered

Going back for seconds

Daniel can't figure out why his brother is making such a mess

Messy eating is thirsty work!

 After dinner, it was time for presents.  All week, we've been watching the Peanuts special, "I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown" with the babies, and I was a little worried they would be expecting a puppy - especially after their visit from Joe's friend Lynne and her dog stretch earlier in the week:

But they managed to enjoy the non-puppy presents they got anyway (especially thanks to Cousin John who got them stuffed animals!!!)

Caroline might have been about to sneeze in this one - or laugh

helping Max with the tape

Studying the card and wondering why it doesn't say "Daniel"

Max was suffering from teething pain and we discovered little sherbet cups in Grandpa's freezer that seemed to take the edge off

Smells like something good

The babies' favorite activity is playing with the magnets on Grandma's fridge.

They also like going through Grandpa's family photo albums:

After presents and dessert, Joe's niece came over with her husband and daughters.  They drove down from Reno and are meeting up with her mother (Joe's sister) and father and sisters to visit with everyone for the holiday.  We hadn't seen them since the wedding in Laguna Beach in June, so the babies are much more interactive than the last time we got together.

Caroline absolutely adores the "big girls".