Christmas at the Casa

Before and after we got back from Pennsylvania, we opened our gifts at home. We spread it out, because we didn't want the kids (Tommy - haha) getting upset about not getting to play with their toys before we left.

Tom got me a new Kate Spade purse and wallet, jammies and Play-Doh (an inside joke).

I got him a new watch, wallet, TicketCity Bowl tickets (Penn State is playing) and cuff links.

We got Tommy a grill and apron set, Mickey jammies, Mickey book & puzzle set, Microphone w/stand, monogrammed backpack, shoes (Chuck Taylors) and Mega Blocks.

Grace got a Cabbage Patch doll, a big activity center, Laugh and Learn Laptop, Mega Blocks (her and Tommy shared this gift) and some new clothes.

I do need to get a picture of Grace with her doll - anytime she sees her, she grabs her and puts her head against the doll and gives her a big hug. So sweet!

Tommy loved helping Grace open presents

Yea for Play-Doh

Sorry Tom - I spent all the money on the wallet :)

Feet are more fun than presents!

Tommy has his TX school bus now

A laptop? What do you mean I need to start earning my keep!

Taking orders!

One hot dog coming up.

Grace patiently waiting for her food.

Grace (and Tommy) playing with the new activity center

Christmas in PA

This year, we traveled to Pittsburgh to celebrate Christmas with Tom's family.

We arrived in PA on Wednesday night at around 11:00. Tom and I were both happy/relieved by how well the kids did on the flight up there. Tommy sat by the window at first and then switched with me and Grace to watch movies with daddy.

Thursday and Friday were pretty relaxing day without much on the agenda. Friday afternoon/night neighbors and friends came over for a visit and some even stayed for Jioio's pizza (our favorite). :)

Tommy driving Pap-pap's MG

Grace hanging out

Grammy supervising Tommy and Anthony Jr.

Saturday morning, Tom and I headed to Pittsburgh for our annual Steelers game. It was pretty chilly (in the 30s) and we stayed until about 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Of course, they won! After stopping by the casino to warm up, we headed home to have dinner with the family and after getting the kids settled in - Tom, his dad and I headed to Christmas Eve mass.

Sunday, Tommy ran into our room to wake us up with Grace waking up a few minutes after that. I don't know how anyone can sleep when he's up - he's a loud talker - haha. He still doesn't really understand what Christmas is, but he know what we mean when we talk about presents! We all gathered in the living room to open presents and drink mimosas.

Waking up daddy on Christmas morning

Someone is excited about all the presents

Grace can't wait to help

Grace with Aunt Christine and Uncle Eddie

Tommy and Grace with Grammy and Pap-pap

After opening all the presents, having french toast for breakfast and getting ready - we all headed over to Tom's aunts house for Christmas dinner. After everyone ate, we played the Chinese Christmas game. I ended up with a new car charger (which I actually needed) and Tom ended up with a Steelers bottle opener key chain.

We headed back home on Monday afternoon. Let's just say that the kids received so many things that we weren't able to carry it all home in our 2nd suitcase. The ride home was surprisingly uneventful. Grace had one little crying spell, but after that she slept over an hour and Tommy watched movies and looked at some books.

What a fun trip!

Our Final Christmas Party of 2011 (Tom's Company)

On Saturday evening, Tom and I headed over to Scott's house (a partner in the firm) for our final Christmas party.

We got there at about 7:30 - after stopping to pick up cigars - and figured other people would be rolling in since the party started at 7:00. When we walked in the front door everyone was up front doing the Dirty Santa game and was already up to number 18. I know we were both thinking - wow - these parties never start on time - but this is moving along.

Well.....come to find out that the party ACTUALLY started at 6:00 (I'm blaming this on Tom since it's his party - not mine). Oops! Oh well, we got our gift under the tree and I was next to pick out a gift. We ended up with a gift card to P.F. Changs. Woo-hoo! I'm just glad we didn't end up with the shaker weights. Those just look nasty - haha!

After we ate dinner, Tom and I went outside to go for our carriage ride. IT was a little chilly, but it was nice to ride around the neighborhood looking at all the Christmas Lights.

Once we got back, we headed out back (they have a huge outdoor living area) and stood by the fire, while talking to all Tom's co-workers. I meant to get a hot chocolate from the coffee guy, but he was gone before I made it over there.

Tommy & Grace's School Christmas Party

On Friday, Tom and I went up to the kids school for their Christmas Party.

Grace's class had a party, but she is still to little to really participate so we stopped in long enough to give her kisses and hand the teachers their presents (cute Christmas holder with hot chocolate and Bath & Body Works), before heading over to Tommy's class.

Tommy was so excited to see us and he actually sat in his chair for a couple minutes before getting up to run around. As usual, he didn't eat anything on his plate except chips and fruit. He had a lot of fun, but was ready to leave pretty fast!

That night - the kids enjoyed playing with their toys together. :) They love each other sooooo much!

Grace's 9 Month Pictures

On Friday, after the school parties I took Grace in for her 9 month pictures. She did okay - but she had a cold and was tired so we didn't get a lot of smiles out of her.

Children's Christmas Party 2011

On Monday, Tom and I took the kids to Cowboys Stadium for the annual Children's Christmas party.

Tommy saw some other kids doing that pose!

We got there right at 5:00 and the first thing we did was take the family picture with Santa. It's only supposed to be the kids, but since Tommy was scared - we made it a family affair. I'm going to try and take a picture of the printout with my camera - but Tommy's face is hilarious. I don't know what in the heck he was doing - but his face is all scrunched up. Grace was just as funny - she was enamored with his beard. I think if we had been there a few seconds more - she would have grabbed a hold of it. Yikes!

After the photo, we grabbed a table and then Tommy and I went in search of food. They had plenty - chicken tenders, mini corn dogs, mini hot dogs, mini hamburgers, pizza, mini quesadillas and fruit cups. Oh, and they had a hot chocolate bar with cookies.

After Tommy DIDN'T eat his food, we all headed over to the train so daddy could take Tommy and Grace on it. I think all of them liked it. Once that was over, Grace and daddy went to play on the turf and Tommy and I walked around and ended up at this "funny" photo booth. Tommy choose to be a Cowboy and picked out a cowboy hat and bandanna that we tied around his neck. He truly looked like a little cowboy. I'll try to take a picture of this too - since I just have a hard copy.

My little cowboy

Look at that hat.

We ended up going on the train again and helped shut the place down (we stayed past "closing" - haha).

Fun party!!!