the willetts: Christmas Day 2011

Christmas morning is always such a fun time, especially with kids! We were expecting a 6 AM wake up call but Colin slept-in until 9:30 (which is not uncommon because he LOVES sleep)! When he woke up and looked over the cat-walk balcony he yelled "Dad! Look at all those presents! And that one (pointing at the trampoline box) is HUGE!!!" Then he came flying down the stairs and unwrapping began.

Santa and George the Elf both left notes for the kids...

Growing up, my parents always video recorded Christmas morning and took pictures so one parent was always "missing" from the video. So to avoid that, we used the tripod and I am so glad we did! We were able to capture every exciting moment and all the funny things that were said and done. When Colin opened his Lion King Blue Ray, he threw his arm into the air and yelled "TTTHHHEEE KKKINNNGGG of the LLIIIOONNNN!!!!!". Ohh, to be so excited over a movie...LOL.

Ava kept saying OOOOO and AAAAHHHH as she unwrapped everything. She loved her Sesame Street remote control (we bought her one so she'd stop using ours...) and her new baby doll accessories.

reindeer webkinz from Santa. Ava named hers Dottie and Colin named his Tyler.

Bey Blades from Santa

excited about the trampoline from Santa

Ava's new doggy from Santa. She's telling him "HI".

traditional wrapping paper pics!

reading their letters from George the Elf

Later in the morning, Grandma and Papa came over to celebrate Christmas with us and brought the BEST PRESENT EVER! Even though it was raining a little, we had to go outside and let the kids enjoy their new ride! The truck has seat belts, cup holders, a movable tail gate, and an FM radio! The kids just had a ball driving up and down the street jammin' to Justin Bieber.

such a sweet picture! they just melt my heart!

At one point, Ava turned around and waved Bye-Bye at us as they "drive off". Pete and I got teared up and I said "It looks like she's going off to college or something." Before we know it, Colin and Ava will be all grown up and driving down the street in their REAL "Texans truck".

Aunt Janeen came over too and we all ate lunch together and played a few games of Trouble and R2D2 Operation.

For dinner we went over to Nonnie and Papa Chuck's house for our traditional Italian Christmas dinner. And Oh My Stars was it delicious!!!!! Nonnie made home-made Italian sauce and manicotti and of course we ate a few cookies for dessert.

How old is Ava?

Nonnie and Papa bought Ava her very own Bitty Baby and she is IN LOVE with her! What a sweet gift to buy our little Sugar Bear! Also, my dad refinished my old baby doll crib from childhood, and my mom sewed new bedding, a blanket and some clothes for the new baby. When I saw everything put together for Ava's gift, I got a little emotional. (Being a mother and having loving and caring Grandparents for my little girl is such a blessing!)