Winter 2006

Well, we went to our usual tree farm to pick out our Christmas Tree this year and it was GONE!!! We have picked our tree out at the same place since Steve & I first got married. It was a bit sad, actually. But we trekked on and found a new place to hunt. The trees were gorgeous too. This is a tradition with our family, so we hope they stay in business too! The kids love walking around with a saw & big measuring sticks, riding on a hayride, drinking hot chocolate. This place had this giant tree house-that's what Dillon is on in that photo. We had such a nice time, and a wonderful Christmas. Dillon had his tonsils removed about a week before, so he spent his winter break recooperating. He still cannot eat certain foods, but he was a trooper through it all. Both boys loved Christmas, especially the new addition of Advent calendars from their Nana-she filled them with surprises for them, small toys or candy or money. Long after Christmas was over Adam still insisted he needed to check his calendar. Instead of Merry Christmas he would announce "Happy Christmas". Dillon wrote santa a letter at school this year and declined the opportunity to sit on his lap. When his Grammy gave him one of the presents he had asked Santa for (a Lego Star Wars 2 video game), he was a little distressed that he had asked santa for it already. So, we sent him an email (www.emailsanta.com ) to let him know that he would like to request a different item that what he had already asked for. Santa was very accomidating and emailed him right back. The boys had a blast opening their early Christmas presents with Grammy & Grampy since Grampy had to go back to Nigeria (or Nigereo as Adam refers to it). For the first 2 weeks after my dad leaves and we go to my parents house he will insist "gampy not woking". We argue till we get there and he realizes I was right. Poor baby. Then the boys got to have Christmas again, with Nana & Poppie on New Years Eve. Even though Nana had hurt her foot & knee...we did not break our Christmas Fondue tradition. Every year she sets out the fondue pots, and makes these yummy homemade sauces. We dip filet mignon & shrimp into the peanunt oil and cook away. She also finds these cute christmas crackers (a european tradition) which we all crack open and wear our crowns. It was a lot of fun, and the boys got really spoiled too by Uncle B & Aunt Meredith...they got a real drum set. Dillon is so into it, we have him all set up in the guest room upstairs....so we can close the door of course. Surprisingly, Adam is very good at the drums. It actually sounds like music when he plays, he's got some good rhythm going. I love Christmas. I love our families and spending time together. And its the perfect excuse to spoil the ones you love...I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and wishing you happiness, good health & much prosperity in 07!