Where to begin...

Let me see, I know I’ve been dragging my feet and haven’t blogged lately. I promise it isn’t because there isn’t much to talk about. It is actually because there is too much to blog about. I’m not exactly sure where to start, in describing just how wonderful this Christmas was.
Christmas has and I believe will always be a special holiday, it is actually my favorite. Most years, Jarrett has to hold me back from putting up the Christmas tree and all of the decorations in the middle of November. Yes, I’m one of those people who sometimes skips over the excitement of Thanksgiving.

Before having children, I would dream of what Christmas would be like when that one day did come and we’d have children to share in the magic and joy of the season. I’d dream of what it would be like to wake up on Christmas morning to the shouts of little ones screaming, “Santa came, Santa came!!!!” and how much fun it would be to make sugar cookies and have the kids decorate them with tons and tons of sprinkles. Oh and looking at the lights, singing Christmas songs, going to Christmas eve service. I dreamed of all of it. Before this year, all of that was just a dream.

I know I’ve said before, I’ve even claimed to have shouted it from the mountaintops, but I just have to say it again; I am truly blessed! I find it difficult to actually put into words just how wonderful this Christmas was/is. I’ll do my best to recount what we did each day just so I can relive in the memories for many years to come.

Last week I was fortunate enough to have off of work, so the boys and I spent a lot of quality time hanging out. After the baking extravaganza, and the sleep over with the cousins, I really can’t tell you that we did that much. Our days together were filled with sleeping in until 7:15 a.m.! It was wonderful! I don’t know if was the excitement of the holiday or what, but the boys were sleeping in and I totally soaked it up! We’d get up, spend some time in the morning playing and doing things we normally don’t get to do because we are too busy racing out of the house. We went to the park and played, went on walks to see Christmas lights, watched Elf, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is coming to Town, Home Alone, The Little Drummer Boy and any other Christmas movie we could find before bedtime each night.

Every morning the boys would get up Gabriel would ask, “Mom, tonight is the night Santa comes!” and then I proceeded to correct him with saying exactly how many days it was until the big night. On Christmas Eve morning when the boys got up, Gabriel raced to the living room where we have the tree set up and sat quietly in front of it. I was busy, trying to assist Michael, open the dog door for Jack, and get the morning routine underway, when I noticed that Gabriel had been quietly sitting facing the tree for almost 5 minutes and hadn’t moved or said a word. After passing by him several times, I stopped and said, “Honey, what are you doing?” and at that point Gabriel turned around. With a face of pure disappointment he said, “Mom, Santa forgot about Michael and I again this year.” Just as he was about to start crying, I stopped him and said, “Oh no, he didn’t Gabriel, honey, you are a day early. Santa comes tonight” Instantly, he’s watery eyes cleared up and he ran to give me a hug. “Oh I’m so excited Mom!” he said. Seeing him look so defeated and concerned that he thought he had been missed again, made my heart ache.

There were several times throughout the week when I thought of what past Christmas’s must have been like for the boys and I secretly wondered if any part of them missed their birth mom. I also thought of her. I’m sure last week was difficult for her and to not be able to see or even know where her birth children are during Christmas, it just has to be plain heart-wrenching. I feel for her and I pray that someplace in her heart, she has faith and knows that our (hers and ours) boys are healthy, happy and thriving.



I find myself wanting to give the boys everything they have missed out on the past 3 and 5 years of their lives. Although it makes me sad to know that they’ve missed out on several years of happy Christmas’s, when I looked at their eyes last week and see how full their hearts are, I’m convinced they feel as lucky and as blessed as I do.

So enough of me getting all emotional. Here’s a recap of the stuff that is more interesting… on Christmas Eve we celebrated with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins. The boys LOVE the Petersens, not only because they spoil them but because the boys love being around them. We had dinner together and then opened gifts. Earlier in the week the Petersen girls had taken the boys to Build a Bear workshop where Michael brought home a Frosty the Snowman, dressed up as Santa Claus and Gabriel brought home an camouflage Army bear (who he’s convinced is a super hero bear) who also had a Santa suit on. It was a fun experience for the boys and I thank the Petersen’s for taking on that adventure. I was afraid to enter that story with two little boys.  In addition to the bears the boys got Star Wars Light Sabers, farm animals (to practice when they go visit Ava, Jordan and Kelly back on the farm in Iowa), a Soccer ball, a fire truck, a police motor cycle, a helicopter and more. I know, they hit the mother lode.

That evening we went to church and then returned home to open the gifts we had for each other. We gave Gabriel a new glove and ball to play baseball and Michael a race car set. The boys loved their gifts and thanked us each about 20 times. Then we went to bed, because we heard from Grandpa Chip and Grandpa Darlene that Santa had been in Iowa and was headed to Arizona. I’ve never seen the boys jump into bed so quickly.

On Christmas morning I expected the boys to wake up before the sun came up but to our surprise Jarrett and I were up first and we had to wake up the boys. We walked into the boy’s room and said good morning. At first no one really moved and then we announced that we had just heard sleigh bells and that we thought Santa had just left. They both popped right up, jumped out of bed and raced to the living room. I did my best to record their reaction and it they did exactly what I had dreamt about for many years. Their eyes were lit up and smiles from ear to ear as they looked at the living room full of presents. Although I’m confident it took Santa several hours, and maybe even an entire day of wrapping all of the gifts, it only took about 10 minutes to tear through everything.

Gabriel received his fire truck, a Ruldolf the Red Nose Reindeer toy, clothes, some books and a stocking full of toothpaste, floss and candy. Michael’s wish list was also fulfilled as he got his batman bike, some super hero costumes, books and a stocking full of the same. It was truly magical to watch them celebrate their first visit from Santa.

Being so excited about his new bike Gabriel and Michael insisted on going out right away, despite the cold-for-Arizona temperatures. Although Michael’s bike looked like it was assembled correctly, unfortunately Michael’s one pedal kept falling off After the third time of putting the pedal back on Michael said, “Mom, I think a bad elf put my bike together.” . It must have been Santa’s helper Elf’s first time putting together a bike (hint hint). Good thing Daddy had the tools we needed to fix what Santa’s helper elf didn’t get right.

It was a great morning together. On Christmas afternoon we went to Nana and Papa’s house where the fun continued. We had a wonderful meal, opened presents and played some games. It was a day full of lots of fun and it was so nice to have Jarrett’s entire family together. Even though our Christmas gift from Nana and Papa was the trip to the Polar Express, it seems the boys and us still came up with a car full of gifts. They spoil us too!

That evening we came home and were able to Skype with my entire family who were up at the Mayo clinic visiting my sister MaeLyn’s boyfriend Aaron, who is slowly recovering from his major accident. It was wonderful to finally see him and despite his significant injuries he has an amazing outlook on life and we continue to believe he will make a full recovery. We send you our love and prayers Aaron. While we Skyped with my family, the boys were able to open one last present from their Uncle Jonas. Jonas is on the fire department for our hometown and the boys thought it was soo cool last summer when we visited Iowa that they got to see the fire trucks and put on the fire suits including the hat. For Christmas Jonas got the boys their very own real fire helmets and personalized them. Words cannot do them justice. I promise to post pictures soon!

So now after this very lengthily post, I think it is clear just why I shout from the rooftops how lucky we are. Although I returned back to work this week, I truly feel like the spirit of Christmas continues to be with us. The boys eagerly look forward to playing with their toys when they get home from school and I just can’t convince myself to start taking down the decorations. In a way I don’t want this Christmas to end. I guess one exciting thing is that we were given one other gift from my parents. In January, we will be taking a trip to an unknown destination (okay we all know but it is a complete surprise for the boys) for a weeklong vacation with my family. Here’s a hint… we are visiting the most magical place on earth and we having to fly to the other coast of the country to get there. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself and the boys are excited as well. Except the boys are convinced we are going to Iowa! When we arrive in Orlando and the boys realize exactly what we are doing, I think their heads are going to explode. They honestly think the only reason why I work is so that we can save money to someday go to Disneyworld. It will be a dream come true for not only them but for all of us. I’m so thankful to my parents for making this a reality for us. Stay tuned for updates about that and if I can ever figure out how to put a video on here, I’ll surely will. I can’t wait to record their reaction when we arrive and they find out we are going to see Mickey Mouse. I have no doubt it will be magical.

I hope this Christmas was filled with many wonderful memories for each one of you and I pray that 2011 is a year of blessings not only for our economy and for all those families, children and individuals that are struggling but I hope that 2011 brings everyone happiness and hope that prayers can be answered. Mine sure were.



Until next time,

Angie

Mom, Can I toot at Disneyland?

It seems our afternoon walks always result in some story for me to share and today was no exception.  Since the rain finally cleared and the sun came out, we decided to take Jack for a walk.  At first the boys weren't too excited about going.  Upon hearing my suggestion to go for a walk, Michael immediately said, NO, I don't want to, my leg hurts. 

The truth is Michael's leg hurts no more than getting a bouquet of flowers but he'll try anything to get out of having to walk anywhere.  After hearing Michael's comment, I immediately responded with "Boys,if you ever want to go to Disneyland you have to practice walking a long way, so going for a walk is good practice."  My retort worked, they are so desperate to go to Disneyland, they'll do anything.  So off on a walk we went.

Before leaving on our walk I gave the boys a sugar cookie as an afternoon snack.  Michael, the hoarder that he is, decided he was going to hold onto it for the entire walk while Gabriel chomped his down right away.  Half way around the block Jack had to do his business if you get my drift and with the mail in my hand, the leash in the other and a bag under my arm, I had run out of hands so half-way joking I said, "Who wants to hold Jacks poop bag?"  To my surprise Michael shouted I do!!! I do!!!  Deciding in my head if that was a good idea or not (I'm sure we all remember the last walk and poopie story I shared), I looked over to Michael to see his perfectly preserved cookie in one hand.  I responded, "Oh Michael you can't hold this bag, you have a cookie in your hand." 

"No, Mom, I can hold the bag, I have this hand with nothing in it."  For some reason I gave in to his request and let him hold the bag.  Without me even saying anything Michael remembered my previous instructions and held the poop bag out away from his body as far as he could and then push his other arm, with the cookie in hand, out as far from his body on the other side.  I started cracking up.

Which lead to my next conversation with Gabriel.  All of a sudden Gabriel said, "Mom, I've got to practice not tooting so I can go to Disneyland."  Before I could even figure out how to respond, he must have second guessed his question because he replied back, "Mom, can I toot at Disneyland?"  I mean seriously, he must be worried about this for him to ask two very, out of the blue, and totally straight-faced questions.  I responded,  "Yes honey you can toot at Disneyland." 

"Oh good Mom, that must mean that Mickey Mouse toots too!"

Until next time,
Angie

A Pre-Christmas Sleep over...

Last weekend we had a baking extravaganza with Jarrett's family and after several hours of baking cookies and holiday candy, the boy's favorite part game... the time when their cousins got to stay overnight.
The entire day was action packed from playing at one park for several hours, to running in the grass across the street and decorating sugar cookies with tons (and I mean tons) of sprinkles. 

The boys (ages 6, 5, 4 and 3) watched Home Alone before going to bed and the next morning were up refreshed and raring to go.  Jarrett had to go to work so it was just the boys and me and I did my best to keep them active.  We had breakfast, went to the park for a few hours, came home to make some Christmas presents for their family members, played outside more and had lunch.  During lunch I shared with them that I had a suprirsed planned... I was going to take them to Jump, Run and Shout, an indoor play center. 

I couldn't decide if I was asking for trouble by going out with 4 against one but I have to say we talked about the rules or staying with me and having partners to play with so I could keep track of 2 groups of 2 instead of 4 groups of 1.  Everyone got 3 quarters in a baggie and if they listened, played well and left when I said it was time to go, I'd treat them to ice cream before the end of their visit. However, if they didn't listen or broke a rule, I would have to take a quarter and we'd have to spend a few minutes in time out.  Even though I said a prayer asking God to be with me, as I backed out of the driveway, I am so proud to admit, the boys were WONDERFUL!  They listened amazingly well and I didn't even have tears when it was time to leave.  In fact everyone was so well behaved that they got ice cream and they got to keep their quarters for their piggy banks at home.

It was a wondeful sleep over and the boys have already been asking to do it again.  I thnk we all sleep like rocks last night, I was tired.  It just makes me wonder how my parents did it with 4 kids.  Wow, one day was enough to make Jarrett and I got to sleep at 8:45 p.m. last night, I have no idea how my parents did it for 18 plus years.  Wow!

Anyway here are some pictures that recap the fun of their visit.

Here are the boys not even 5 minutes after dropping off Alex and Bennett.  They played hard and had a lot of fun.

Until next time,
Angie

Cookies for Santa...

Michael has been asking me to make cookies for Santa since the middle of October. I've had to tell him it was too early to make them because they would be old an yucky.  Finally this past weekend, I was able to tell the boys we could start making cookies for Santa.  Two Sundays ago, we got to have a pajama cookie making day.  We spent the majority of our day in our pj's, while we listened to Christmas music and make cookies for Santa.  It was wonderful.  Here are some of the pictures from our day of baking...

I think we are almost ready for the big day, as long as we can manage to keep a few cookies around for Santa on Christmas Eve!
Until next time,
Angie

PS:  Oh and I think I mentioned how we went on a trolley ride a few weekend back... here's a photo from one of the homes that, well, goes a little over the top.  Nothing like Christmas in the Desert!

Mom and Dad's Christmas Present

This past week the boys made presents for Jarrett and I at school.  I guess they've been working on them for quite a few days but per the teachers request, they kept it a secret and didn't tell us what they were working on.  Then last Tuesday when I picked up Gabriel, he was so excited because Mrs. Stacey and he presented me with Jarrett and my Christmas present.  He was so excited he wanted me to open it right on the spot but Mrs. Stacey reminded him we needed to wait until his dad was there to.

Just two days later when I picked up Michael he came running to me, yelling, "Mommy, we get to take home your present today!"  He also wanted me to open it right on the spot and I had to tell him how Daddy would be sad if he didnt' wait for him.  He agreed and as soon as Dad came walking through the door last Thursday night, they were jumping up and down waiting for us to open their presents to us.

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that,in the years when it was just Jarrett and I, that I dreamed of and hoped that someday I'd get a "homemade" present from my son or daughter. However, now that is actually happened, I have to admit that I didn't realize just how much I would cherish and love it. 

As we opened the gifts, the boys were smiling from ear to ear and as we reveled what was behind their homemade wrapping, I fought back tears of happiness and joined in their smile from ear to ear.  Gabriel said, "Mom, do you like it?"  "Gabriel I love it. It is beautiful"  "Mom, I made it at school all by myself, you can hang it on the tree"  As he picked it up from my hand and walked over to put it on the tree...

And then it was Michael's turn. Just as excited as his big brother he watched very closely as we unwrapped the paper to revel a colorful vase and a candle inside.  Just as beautiful, I told the boys that these were the two best presents I had received in many years (actually they are the two best presents but the gifts they gave us, will always remind me of them and for that, they will be special).

As we look forward to Christmas more than any year before, I am thankful for all that 2010 has been and the bountiful blessings God has given us.  I remember though that although 2010 has been wonderful for us, there are many people for whom 2010 has been a year they would do anything to forget.  We pray for them and for all those who are struggling.  We hope that God gives you strength and the hope that tomorrow will bring you peace and happiness. 

Until next time,
Angie

My arm hurts…

Last night before dinner Michael and Gabriel were begging me for a cookie. Given that there seems to be treats, candies, cookies and chocolate everywhere, the boys have been overdosing on the sweets. It was a chorus of “Mom, can I have a cookie?” “No” “Mom can I have some chocolate, Santa wants me to have some Chocolate right now” “No” “Well, then how about this Candy Cane, can I have this mom?” and so on…
I told them they could not have any treats until after they’ve had some good food (meaning healthy) and if they ate all of their dinner then, maybe, I would give them a cookie. That’s when Michael said this…
Michael: Mom my arm hurts.


Mom: Why does your arm hurt Michael?


Michael: Mom, I been eating too much good food and it filled up my tummy and went into my arm


Mom: Oh really Michael. You’ve been eating too much good food. Well, then why does your arm hurt?


Michael: Mom, it hurts because too much good food isn’t good for my arm. I need a cookie to make it feel better.

Where do I go from here?
Until next time,

Angie

On this table?!?!?!

For the second year in a row, our realtor invited us to her holiday party which was this past Saturday night. She rents trolleys and provides, food, drink and entertainment as we travel around the valley to see some of the best lights. Last year Jarrett and I went. It was a blast last year but that we wish we could do the same thing some day with our children. And look another one of our wishes came true. This year Debi invited us (the entire us) to go and we were very excited.
We were able to see several sites that look like Clark W. Griswold is slacking on his decorating duties. Seriously, some of the neighborhoods have it written into their home owner’s association (HOA) that you must put a certain amount of decorations out if you decide to live on their street. It is crazy. We saw tons of Santa’s, lots of Frosy the Snowmans, several Ruldolfs and multiple Baby Jesus’s. On one of the streets we went to, we actually got to walk into someone’s back yard as they had turned their entire backyard into the story of Baby Jesus’s birth. It was amazing and if anyone comes to visit us during the holidays, we have to take you there. Not only is the story they depict interesting but they way they transform their entire yard is amazing. They have so many people visit their house they actually rent a port-a-potty. I know, crazy I say.

So anyway you can imagine with all the nativity scenes, Jarrett and I fielded some questions from the boys. Dad, why did a camel go and visit baby Jesus when he was born? Mom, how come the men sleep with sheep? Dad, why is that star above Baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary so big? And on and on.

The questions continued yesterday at lunch when Gabriel asked why Baby Jesus was born in a barn. Daddy clarified and said, “Actually Gabriel, he was born in a stable. It is like a barn but …

Before Jarrett could continue Michael piped in, I guess he didn’t quite hear Jarrett correctly because he asked, “Mommy, baby Jesus was born on this table?!?!?!”

Until next time,

Angie

Dear Santa,

Last night I sat down with the boys after school to help them write their letters to Santa.  I asked the boys to put down something they would like Santa to bring them and then to list the reason why they deserve to have Santa bring them some presents.  Here are the letters the boys wrote...

From Michael...

 In case it is hard to see, I'll copy what they wrote (or told me to write) below. I promise this is word for word what they said to write...
                Dear Santa,
Please can I have a Batman bicycle and a light saber.  I have been a good boy and I never pee in my pants.  I love Santa Claus. 
                           Michael


From Gabriel...

Dear Santa,

Please can I have a light saber, fire truck and a fire suit?  I have been a good boy, I did not hit people in the face.  Gabriel

I can't even make this stuff up and I have to admit, I've had some pretty good laughs last night and today as I thought about their letters.  I'll be keeping these for some time to come. 



Gabriel holding his letter to Santa.

The picture Gabriel drew on the other side of his letter for Santa.  I didn't have the heart to tell him I thought it looks like a picture of someone getting sick... maybe that's just me though.



Michael's finished letter.

Until next time, Angie

Their first NFL game...

Today the boys were able to experience their first NFL game with their Dad. (I think I was 18 before my first NFL game but anyway...) Daddy had three tickets to the Arizona Cardinals game and decided to take his two sons.  We told the boys they were going to get to do something special with their daddy and that it was going to be a boys day out.  The boys were so excited about the possible ideas of what they were going to do, (because it was going to be a surprise) that they even took a nap right after church.  This is huge because normally after sitting still for 1 hour in church, they are about ready to jump out of their pants, but we told them they had to take an early nap so they could do something fun in the afternoon.  They agreed and when they woke from their nap, Daddy surprised them by sharing that they were going to the Cardinals football game.

Lately Gabriel (and kind of Michael) has been really into playing football.  Gabriel's buddies at school play at "recess" and they try to involve Michael by throwing the ball over the fence to the playground that Michael is on. 

So the boys headed out and Mom got some quiet (very quiet) time at home to clean and catch up.  It was a wonderful 4 hours not only for the boys but also for Mom! 

When the boys returned home they shared how they got to see a big red bird and some really pretty girls.  Michael said, "Mommy, I got to see some really pretty girls, but mommy, they were naked!"  (To the boys, anything less than knee-length shorts and a baggy t-shirts means someone is naked.)  Gabriel, was excited about the players.  He talked about the quarterback and the guy with the long hair.  He said, "Mom, the guy with the long hair, he scored two points!!! But, but Mom, he's still a boy even though he has long hair right?" 

I think it was an outing the boys will remember for a very long time.  Tonight, as we were tucking them into bed, I asked them what their favorite part of their day was and Michael responded, "Mommy, I liked going to the football game with Daddy and Gabriel"  Gabriel then asked, "Mom do you know any of those Cardinals players?" Since Kurt Warner retired, I haven't watched a game so I scrambled to try and remember the name of a current player.  I quickly responded., "Yes honey, I know Larry Fitzgerald" 
"Wow Mom!  Do you have his phone number so we can call him?

Until next time,
Angie

I wonder what he is dreaming about...

Every night before I go to sleep I quietly sneak back into the boys bedroom to make sure they are covered up and that they are, well, sleeping peacefully.  It is one of my favorite parts of the day.  They look so innocent, so calm and so angelic.  Tonight as I kissed Gabriel's forehead and whispered "I love you" into his ear, I heard Michael laugh and I immediately thought, he's awake and pretending to sleep and he can't keep a straight face because he knows I'm going to catch him.

As I turned around ready to catch him in the act of pretend sleep, I instead found that he in deed was sleeping and in a deep sleep at that.  I tip-toed over to his bed and watched for a few moments as his face went from a slight smirk to a grin from ear to ear.  Then, all of a sudden, he burst out laughing, a full-on giggle that made him curl up in a ball like he was rolling on the floor with hysterics.  They say laughing is contagious and it took all of my might not to join him in laughter.  He giggled for about 3 minutes before turning over onto his other side and becoming quiet once again.

I wonder just what was so funny and what magical dream was playing out in his mind.  When we were taking classes on adoption we learned about how sometimes kids who have been removed from their birth parent's home can have terrible nightmares and trouble sleeping.  Thankfully, the boys have never had trouble sleeping since they've come to be with us. It makes me happy to know that he's in a place where he feels at home, comfortable and relaxed enough to let any or all of his worries go aside and at night he can drift off into a wonderful (and funny) place of la la land.

Until next time,
Angie

The Polar Express

This year for Christmas Nana and Papa gave us a trip to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus.  Nana and Papa told us about our special trip back in July and since then we've been looking forward to boarding that magical train and heading up a special place where jolly old St. Nicholas hangs his hat.

Finally, after months of watching the movie, checking the book out from the library on a continuous basis and telling the boys they need to be patient that today was not the day they get to visit Santa Claus, the time had come... on Friday morning when the boys woke up we finally got to tell them that they day they had been waiting for had finally arrived.

We headed up to Williams AZ where it was a perfect 36 degrees.  Okay it was really cold but if you are going to visit the North Pole, it can't be a balmy 75 degrees right?  Nana and Papa gave the kids, (Gabriel, Michael, and their cousins, Alex, Bennett and Julia) special pajamas they could wear on the train.  Then to make them look even more adorable than they already are, Nana and Papa got them special Elf hats with their names on them.  I'll let you judge for yourself but, I have to say they looked pretty darn cute. 

We waited patiently at the train station and when the train finally arrived everyone (adult kids too) were filled with excitement and joy as the staff greeted us warmly and welcomed us aboard.  After the train left the station we were able to enjoy hot chocolate and a tasty chocolate chip cookie.  Michael was sitting with me and insisted, after only have 1 bite of his cookie, that he needed to save the rest  for Santa Claus.  Even though I wanted to eat his along with my own, I obliged his request and we "saved" it for Santa.  As the train whisked through the darkness we felt like we were actually on our way to the north pole, as the story of the Polar Express was read aloud.  Then, before it seemed possible, the conductor announced over the speaker that the North Pole was straight ahead.

The boys looking out the window to watch for Santa's house

And then, within a minute Santa's village appeared with him standing in front of the sleigh full of reindeer. His toy shop and Mrs. Claus' candy shop. There was even a live elf reading off the names of the children on the good list. From the moment we boarded the train Gabriel and Michael's eyes were lit up and most of the ride Michael looked like this...

it was almost as if he was taking in so much he couldn't shut his mouth for fear he would miss absorbing all that was happening around him.  The kids peered out the window as we slowly passed the North Pole and then we received the announcement we were heading back home but before we left we got to pass by Santa's house one last time.  As the train slowly crept back to Santa's village, we noticed that Santa had disappeared.  The kids gasped for a moment and then we learned Santa had boarded the train.  To screams of excitement we waited patiently for Santa to come by our car. 

As we started chanting "Santa Santa Santa" he appeared minutes later. The boys were in a trance as he walked through the car and gave each of the kids a bell to remember their visit to see his home. It was a magical moment as I could feel just how much they believed in Santa Claus and that they were looking at the man who would hopefully bring them toys on Christmas Eve.  As tears came to my eyes, I could not help but think just how lucky and blessed I am this Christmas season.  These two boys have already brought us the best Christmas gift anyone could ask for.  Here they are enjoying their up close and personal moment with the one and only Santa Claus...

The entire way home and for the last few days the boys have been recounting just how lucky they are to have been able to go on the Polar Express.  Christmas is so enjoyable when viewed through the eyes of a child and going on the Polar Express was a wonderful way to start off this joyous Christmas season.  Thank you Nana and Papa for the trip we will remember forever.

Until next time,

Angie

I just couldn't resist adding this picture too... I wonder what he is thinking...