A Merry Christmas Indeed (Thuerbach Christmas)

We spent a wonderful 5 days up in Orange County with my parents this year for Christmas. Lori, Craig, Chase and Brady flew out to celebrate with us and we managed to pack a bunch of activities in those 5 days, along with plenty of relaxation time as well. We couldn't have asked for better weather (mid 70s a couple of days) and it was so magical to experience Christmas with a 3-year old, 2-year old and almost 1-year old. The older boys loved every minute of the Christmas festivities and were so excited about Santa's arrival. They did so great together - minus the occasional fight or non-sharing moment - those two are so sweet to each other and love doing the same things. They both copy the other one and are hilarious during their delirious moments. Brady is the sweetest, happiest baby with the most amazing blue eyes. He still gets shoved around at this point, but that won't last long by the way he's growing (and how much he eats!). :)

Christmas 2011 consisted of a trip to see Santa at the Irvine Park Railroad (including a bounce house, cookie decorating, a train ride, and one scary fall by Ben that included blood), playing games on Wii, fun in the hottub, a trip to the park, one mini tournament of Blongoball, decorating gingerbread trains, leaving cookies and carrots for Santa, a few tears and lots of laughs. The big gifts this year were an iPad (Lori is one happy girl!), a new CBTL machine, Ben's 4-wheeler, Chase's DS, 2 leaf blowers, 2 edgers and lots of Legos. :) We even managed to celebrate Brady's 1st birthday with a candle in a blueberry muffin before we had to drive home to San Diego. What a great way to round out the year and spend some time with my sister and her family who we miss dearly now that they live in Colorado.

Ben having some fun with Papa's wig before the CO crew arrived The view from the back is even funnier Ben & Chase so happy to see each other Decorating cookies at Irvine Park Lori & Brady enjoying the festivities Sampling their finished products Brady giving Papa one of his famous open-mouthed kisses! Brady Bear Grandma & Chase waiting to board the train Lori & Dad Craig & Brady Me & Lori The Frisbee'sAll the lights along the train route On the train Ben & Chase excited to go see Santa All 3 boys with Santa Too cute Chase getting comfy on Uncle Jim :) This is how we roll at Christmas Ben bringing beer to the guys in the hottub Constructing & decorating gingerbread trains Me & Ben showing off our masterpiece The boys attacking Lori! Classic - trying to get all 3 boys together Totally engrossed in Toy Story movie Hilarious - putting cookies out for Santa - Ben was mad about something Then happy and joking around the next second! Cookies & carrots for Santa & his reindeer All ready for the boys to see! Santa came! Lori & Brady Christmas morning Me & Ben still trying to wake up! Chase with his leaf blower Papa helping Ben open his new dump truck Brady's slippers Ben & Chase playing Connect4 Go Broncos! Someone got a new camera (thanks Grandma & Papa!) Love the matching PJ's from Grandma & PapaBrady's adorable smile Going out to see Ben's last present Taking it for a test spin And they're off down the street! Lori got an iPad!!! So excited! :) The boys racing cars on Wii Ben & Chase tending to the backyard Brady all dressed up as Santa Again classic - Chase with the wig, Brady as Santa, & Ben with Buzz Brady going down the slide at the park Such a cutie Chase taking a turn on the 4-wheeler Ben on the 4-wheeler & Chase on the scooter Time for some blongoball! Just like the good ol' days :) Yes, you won - we get it! Ben playing with Grandma