While the menfolk went to watch the Patriots, the rest of the crew went to this really neat Christmas exhibit. It was a Boston tradition for years (many old fashion scenes, a snow fall when they play White Christmas, warm blueberry muffins, etc.). A local furniture store bought it at auction and have now opened it up to the public. Though we weren't about to wait in a two hour pre-Christmas line, 10 minutes with the kiddos was just right!
I had wanted a lovely Christmas jammie picture. We staged this one a few weeks before Christmas to no avail.
Matching beanbags from Grammie and Pop Pop. I thought these would be in the basement but each child decided to put them in their rooms for snuggling up and reading stories. 
And I bought into the hype of the zhu zhu pets. So very unlike me but my friend Denise and I spent, oh about five weeks, putting together our set - from late night Internet orders to 5:45 AM at Toys R Us. And then a two hour intense session of putting it all together. Can you say loco? That said the kids do enjoy them but I can't believe I spent the time and money on fake hamsters!
I must say, it was our best Christmas jam yet. Though no wild and crazy dancing like last year when Maddie performed a very wild interpretive dance. You'll have to see the video!
We headed home and made sure to leave reindeer food on the front lawn. Those reindeer get hungry!
And last but not least the feast! Nathan outdid himself with: Chateaubriand with red wine mushroom sauce, lobster tails, yam ravioli, swiss chard, and a pine nut torte. We also had some amazing wines. It was decadent. Everyone went to bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. 
They loved flying over Boston and watching the city get ready for night. My Dad even got to pilot the plane for a bit.
Theo and Maddie loved their new book, The Quiltmaker's Gift. Grammie and Pop Pop always spoil the kids rotten (as Maddie says). 
And let's not forget Uncle Johnny, he was like a rock star in the house. Where's Uncle Johnny? Where are you going Uncle Johnny? What are you doing? Do you want to play? And on and on! (Can you see Theo's expression in the picture?) And I know it's annoying to read about Christmas in February - I'll soon be caught up!
It was frigid but we bundled up and headed outside. Gabriel took right to the set and scampered up the ladder. It's been great fun even in the winter. On a side note, I'm having difficulty with my camera. I'm quite disappointed in the pictures though Nathan would say it's the photographer and not the camera. We'll see...
The boys or brothers as Theo calls them. He'll correct me when I tell someone I have two boys. "No Mama, there are three of us." Yes, there are little buddy, yes, there are. 
Interesting, where are the boys? They wouldn't go near the man with the white beard.
Until I said I'd join in the picture. This one won't be winning any awards!
Much sugar eating commenced our morning. What a great season!
