Let it snow!

Two days after Christmas, Vermont got a big storm which dumped almost a foot of snow at my parent's house.  I would have loved to take both kids out on sleds, but we didn't bring our sleds with us, and no one had snow pants.  Luckily, Grammy and Grampy bought Connor new winter boots for Christmas, so he at least had those.  Later in the afternoon, while Maeve was sleeping, I took Connor out while Grampy used the new plow on the lawnmower.  I put Connor to work cleaning the cars.  He loved it!  Good to know for future storms.

Christmas in Vermont

I didn't get very many pictures of the kids opening up their presents on Christmas morning.  I usually steal borrow pictures from my Dad, but with 7 adults, 1 five-year-old, 2 babies, and 3 dogs, things got a little crazy, so I think there are minimal pictures of Christmas morning.  It was fun to see Connor actually get into opening presents this year.  What a difference a year makes.  Last Christmas we had to force him to open up his gifts, and this year we had to slow him down!  He actually needed a little break because it was still overwhelming to him, and he was just throwing his new presents around, eager for the next gift.  So we took a breather and that seemed to help a lot.  Maeve just wanted to eat the paper, and there was plenty to choose from, so she was happy.  She did like her stocking stuffers, though!

My mom made a(nother) delicious Prime Rib dinner with twice baked potatoes, broccoli with cheese sauce, and chocolate cherry flan cake for dessert.  YUM.  She did have a little time to cuddle with Maeve, in one of the rare moments when she took a nap.  The power of a Grammy cuddle can get any baby to sleep!

Christmas Eve... Eve

The annual Bouvier Family Christmas was held on Christmas Eve Eve at Brett and Erin's house this year.  We decided to have it a day early so that people weren't rushing around in between the Children's mass and "midnight" mass at 9 p.m.  It was much more relaxed and low key since we didn't have to hurry up and get everything done in a short period of time.  It was a lot of fun, especially since Santa made a guest appearance!  Even during his busy season, he found the time to pop by and give the kids an early Christmas present.  It was great to watch Connor as Santa entered the room.  He was fascinated.  He even sat on his lap (which he hasn't wanted to do in a few years).  He didn't say much, and was Mr. Serious, but he was taking it all in.

Connor spent most of the day playing with his cousins in the playroom that was adjacent to the living room.  All of the kids stayed in that room most of the day which left plenty of room for all of the adults.  And there are a lot of adults.  A lot.    

Maeve and her cousin, James, showed up with similar outfits on.  They were dubbed "Mr. and Mrs. Claus".

But, with 70 people in one house, it got a little warm, so off came the velour dress...

The day ended with a visit from some carolers and a viewing of Christmas Vacation.  We hope everyone else had a wonderful Christmas!