Christmas #1: December 23rd

Thursday before Christmas, Grandpa Bob/Glass (Jason's dad wants to be referred to as Grandpa Bob, but we prefer the kids know him as Grandpa Glass. I guess we should just call him what he wants to be called - I mean, grandparents have earned that right after all. Ironically, Weston usually calls him Grandpa "Globe," which as far as I can tell is his way of mixing both names therefore pleasing his dad and his grandpa!!) Anyway, Jason's dad came over along with Ryan (Jason's brother) and Sadie (Ryan's girlfriend turned fiance - yes, we are thrilled for them!!)

We had them over for dinner before exchanging gifts, and it was the first time I ever made a turkey! I was really nervous, but it turned out better than I imagined! I stuffed it full of all kinds of good stuff, then made a mix of butter, olive oil, chives, cilantro, garlic, and several other herbs and spices which I rubbed both under and over the skin. I added a few sprigs of rosemary for good measure and mmmmm.... Jason said that turkey juice made the best gravy he's tasted since we've been married. Anyone who knows about Jason and his perfectionist cooking ways knows what a compliment that is! I was very pleased with the whole experience. :)

Then on to the presents. As you can see, Grandpa went way over the top this year! The kids were in Christmas heaven. Here are many pictures of the evening for your viewing pleasure:Grandpa and Sophie:Ryan and Sadie:Two beauties: Daddy and Weston:

Let the opening begin! Sophie was very camera happy that night... we love her cheesy camera grin! Jason's dad is big on gag gifts... here was the one that Weston got. The joke was lost on him, but Jason thought it was pretty funny!

Opening Weston's "big gift"While this smile is clearly posed and appears to be fake, Weston is in fact THRILLED with his Spider Man bike! He has been wanting this for at least a year now. A backpack of her own... Jason opening a new set of golf clubs:Sadie's gift for Sophie was a huge hit...She was extremely impatient while I got out her princess shoes, as evidenced by the distressed expression on her face!Ahhh, to finally hold them!This little princess has been prancing around in her "high heels" ever since that day - with great pleasure I might add! She seems particularly fond of the clicking sound they make when she walks on tile.Fortunately Sophie was kind enough to help Sadie open this box of chocolates... I'm sure the burden of doing it alone was downright overwhelming. :)Upon ripping this gift open, Weston immediately yelled "awesome!!" over and over again. It was super cute. Score for Grandpa! Another gag gift... this had been wrapped to appear as though it were some super amazing golf club but was in fact some old wood club from the DI. It is almost impossible not to crack up when you see Grandpa bust a gut!

By the end of the night Sophie was one tired baby girl. (But you'll notice she never took her princess shoes off!)

From the huge mess, you would have thought it was Christmas morning! I could hardly believe all the presents that showed up under our tree that night. It was an absolute blast. I married into a family that goes all out when it comes to presents... and who can complain about that?!

By the way, my very generous father-in-law got me an iPod as well as a VERY nice enameled cast iron skillet that I have been wanting for years. Ryan and Sadie got us party games - Balderdash and Scatergories - two of my favorites that I have been wanting for a very long time. I am one spoiled lady!

Only a Man...

Imagine taking a large mirror, and throwing it from the roof of your house. Think of the sound created by that mirror as it hits your driveway, shattering into a million pieces.

Now, add a few fingernails scratching a chalk board.

Add a very LOUD clap of symbols to the mix, and turn up the volume on all three.

That is pretty much the sound that Weston's new toy sword makes. Who, you ask, would purchase such an offensive toy?

A man - of course!

Jason got it at the San Gennaro Feast, an Italian Festival that is really just an overpriced carnival with overpriced Italian Food. He was there selling sparklers, poppers, and other such novelty items.

On the last night of the Festival Jason returned home sometime around 1:00 AM. He was SO excited to show me the cool toy that he had for Weston - he just had to get it out and demonstrate right then and there (I was half asleep, mind you).

I almost had a heart attack when I heard the noise it made! I wasn't just worried that it had awakened one (or both) of the kids, but that they were terrified - or worse yet, deaf!

Now, in defence of my husband, I have to say that he had no idea how loud it really was since he got it at a carnival.

Fortunately, Weston LOVES the sword, so it keeps him occupied for long periods of time...

It was difficult to get any clear pictures since I couldn't get Weston to pose for me... he was too busy chasing the dog around the back yard with that silly, deafening, plastic sword! The poor dog has nightmares, I'm sure.