Christmas Eve 2010

Our traditional Christmas Eve began with our traditional Christmas Evening dinner.  I used to make fancy main dishes, exotic even.  Until I realized that I was really only cooking for Lance and myself when I did that since the boys wouldn't eat it.  Not that I have a problem doing that - in fact, I pretty much do that every night of the week.  But I've decided to show a little Christmas spirit and make things I know the boys like: ham, homemade rolls, cheesy potatoes with bacon, salad, and Sprite with cranberry juice ice cubes.  (Okay, the salad was just for me.)

Spencer and Josh were over-the-top excited.  They knew that not only would dinner be yummy, but that the festivities would begin after dinner.  Cole was just happy to be eating - that boy loves ham!

Dinner always includes some very serious conversations.  Such as: do you like ham or not?  Does Santa like ham?  And how much ham can you put into your mouth at one time?

Also, what should we name this new baby?  (My favorite is the expression of disgust Spencer gives Josh about half way through.)

And finally, the very important topic of what you think Santa will bring you tonight.  (Poor Spencer seriously has his heart set on a Nintendo DS.  I almost wish we had bought one for him.)  (Almost, but not quite. They're pricey!)

After dinner we let the boys open their new pajamas.  What cracks me up is that we do this every year, and every year Spencer is sorely disappointed that all he got was pajamas.  It's hard to be Spencer, in case you haven't noticed.  The boys also got a few Christmas books that we read at bedtime.

We quickly changed into our jammies, took a few self-timed photos, and then got on to the reason we were all there: Christmas Bingo!

Christmas bingo is serious business in our house. (At least to the boys.)  There are prizes to be won and excitement to be had.  I get to be the bingo caller, mainly because I'm pretty good at making sure everyone gets a chance to win a prize. *wink*wink*

Cole is not quite ready for Christmas Bingo - but he was ready to run around and wreak havoc.  (He's turned into something of a little punk normal toddler lately.)

He personally put an end to the last game by steam rolling it.  Literally.

Josh shows off one of his bingo spoils.

Daddy threatens Spencer to stay away from the giant pen he won.  (Not really - but isn't that what it looks like?)

Spencer breaks out the little basketball game he won.

Cole has a few more tantrums... because that's all he got out of bingo.

I thought it would be nice to get a few pictures of the boys in front of the tree.  How foolish I am.  These are the best I could get.

I have no idea why, but Josh has suddenly become a big fan of the "point while taking a picture" pose.

More pointing.

Even more pointing...

And now pointing and strangling he little brother...

At least I was able to get a decent shot of Lance and Cole.  Well... of Lance...

After a wild bedtime the boys are finally nestled, all snug in their beds.  (While visions of Nintendo DS's dance in their heads...)  Lance and I get to stay up and wait for Santa and The Tooth Fairy to come. (They might need some help.)  I'm watching "It's A Wonderful Life", kind of missing my family, and getting kick-boxed from the inside out.

It's been a good evening.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!