Christmas 2010

We had so much fun this Christmas.  The kids were very into Santa and could not wait for him to visit and bring them presents!  Andy had to work and couldn't leave the city, so the kids and I decided to head down to NJ and spend a few days with my family before the big day.  One of my favorite things about Christmas is Christmas Eve. My family has this crazy tradition that we have been doing since before I was born. On December 24th, it begins with my mom making the traditional Italian seven fish dinner.  This year we ate around 5pm with my parents, Chris, Gram, PopPop, Paulette and Steven. After dinner the kids were allowed to open their presents from Poppy and Grandmom.

They received ALOT of presents and liked all of them,  but some of their favorites included:
Drew--- First Science Kit, crystal climbers, science goggles, Lincoln Logs, and various critters that come out of eggs
Katie--- Tea party set and tea cart, silly bands, necklaces, a K purse, and clothes!

Drew DID NOT like the clothes at all! However, Katie wanted to put on all of the stuff that she got! It was so cute!

Katie modeling her new scarf, shirt, pants, necklace and purse.

Drew was really funny because after he opened a present, he would place it in a pile and make sure that it was just so.

Drew's presents!

After opening their presents, I put the kids to bed like it was a normal night at 7pm.  I then woke them up at 9:30pm and said "Oops, I forgot. There is a party over at Gram and PopPop's house. Should we go?"  After the initial confusion, they were excited to get dressed in their adorable Christmas outfits and walk next door to my grandparents house around 10pm.  The rest of the family (aunts, uncles, cousins) arrived.  Drew was so excited for midnight because he knew that was when he could open more presents! Every few minutes he would ask me what time it was and how long until midnight.  Gram said he was just like I used to be when I was little!  When the clock struck 12 and it was officially Christmas Day, everyone opened presents and the chaos began.  Again, everything was a big hit, but some favorites included:
Drew--- A space shuttle and astronauts, a dinosaur umbrella, and two cars that you can take apart and put back together
Katie--- A baby doll with everything that a baby needs, a Dora doll, a purse with makeup, a tiara and dress up shoes

Around 1:30am we took a break for ANOTHER full meal that my Gram made.  We headed back to my parents house around 2:30am to go to sleep for the "night" (they then woke up at 7am).  The kids were so happy and such troopers the entire time.

We woke up Christmas morning and drove to NYC where Andy was waiting with presents from Santa under the tree.  The kids were so excited to see Andy. They couldn't wait to tell him everything and show him all their presents.  It was so strange to not have him at Christmas Eve at Gram's because he has been there with my family every year since 1999.  We all missed him so much!   All of the gifts from Santa were a big hit but some favorites included:
Drew---Superhero cape, United State quarter collection map,  Smart Cycle, a spelling word game, binoculars and a volcano making kit
Katie---Superhero cape, a scooter, a construction hat, a matching necklace and bracelet, and a camera

We spent the rest of the day playing with new toys, telling stories, reading new books, and just hanging out as a family of four.

Katie loves her new dress up clothes!

Serving tea in a tiara?

Father and son doing science!