Hard Work Pays Off

Remember all that talk about how awful furniture shopping is?
Well, it may have paid off because we got this awesome sectional today and Bryce and I got to have the old couch in the basement for video game playing and movie watching in comfort and style.
Thanks Mom and Dad!

Another Important Meaning Of Christmas

We all know that Jesus is the reason for the season, but another important meaning for us is just time together as a family.

We spent the entire day without cell phones or visitors or anyone leaving the house. Just cuddles on the couch.

and even though we have plenty of comfortable furniture, Coley still prefers to spend his time cuddled up in Rowans stinky dog bed. Mom says she's pretty sure he couldn't be any less concerned with order and cleanliness.

Guess Who's Most Excited!

FINALLY!  It was Christmas Morning! I was a little disappointed that we didn't catch Santa in our trap.

But that's okay. Our living room was FULL of great things so all was forgotten. I got this amazing gold trick bike.

But Mom and Dad wouldn't let me dig into anything else without Coley, so.....
WAKE UP COLEY!!!

He wasn't as excited as I was.

Kinda looked like a Zombie actually.

Do you know who was MOST excited? The youngest Vandy boy - Row Row.
It wasn't his first Christmas with us, so he knew exactly what presents were and he dug right in.
Look at the giant bed he got!

and I got Coley a whole lotta wrestling gear. A bag, a sweatshirt, shorts and a hat.
You're welcome big bro.

But the BEST part of Christmas morning for me was when I opened my present from Tania and Derek.
They sent me BRACES!
Thank you SOOOOO much!
We sure are lucky boys.

Closing Out Christmas Eve Duties

After church we had a couple of Christmas Eve gifts to open.

Mom broke our awesome Cookies for Santa plate from Grandma Pam, so she replaced it!

This one comes with a chalkboard so you can write santa a message!

B went first.

and I wrapped it up. We also got a special milk container for the big dude.

and note our new Christmas Jammies, which we thought felt exactly like spy gear.

so of course, spy moves were in order!

Outside to put the reindeer food on the lawn (out of Rowan's reach of course).

and move spy moves because we just can't help ourselves.

It's not as easy to see the food when there's no snow, but I think the reindeer know we take care of them in Vandyville!

Mom had to drag our ninja butts inside before the neighbors called the cops.

Cookies out - Check!

Carrots - check
Milk - check

Did I just hear something?!  No...  not yet.

Teeth brushed - check

Night Before Christmas book read - check

This was Mom's first year not reading it to us. I don't think anyone else even noticed.

All that was left to do was wait.
Except...  we may or may not have set a trap.

Handsome Dates

Dad didn't feel well enough to go to church tonight. No worries though, we stepped up!

It's not often that we get this dressed up, so of course Mom went a little nutty with pictures.

Nutty goes both ways.

A lot of ways..

How can any kid, anywhere be asked to take a serious photo on Christmas Eve?!

Mom was just grateful to have such handsome dates for church. It's not easy to fill the big man's shoes, but I think we did alright!

Never Forget the Working Class

Around here, we don't forget the hard working reindeer on Christmas Eve.

I mixed up a nice big bowl of reindeer food for them. They must get hungry flying all over the world!

The Annual Disastrous Christmas Eve Photo Shoot

Back to Mom's traditions. She would of course be so disappointed if we missed out on the annual disastrous Christmas Eve photo shoot. I cannot disappoint my Ma.

Is THIS good?

This?

No? How 'bout this one?

Maybe a lean?

I may sneeze here...

Okay, Ma... that's all I got.

Coley is not usually as difficult (really in any way), but even he gave her a good run for her money this year.

I'm proud of you, Big Bro!

Falling asleep..........

Just.Take.It.Mom.

She decided to add Row Row in. He was on our side!

Yes?! Did you say something about a treat?

Um... I'm here for the treat.

Uh... is it over there?

Look Ma. I'm about 3 seconds away from biting your butt. GIMME THAT TREAT!

This is what she finally settled on. Not too bad for me.

Of course, near perfect for Coley.

and as usual, we do our best work together.

Love you Ma!!