Catching up, so ya, it's a LONG post!

People, I'm TIRED! I have no excuse, no great story for exhaustion, but I'm still way tired all of the time. That being said, I do update on Facebook more than my blog. I know my blog fans get shafted, but darn it, it's double-duty. So, blog fans, this is for YOU!

Okay, hmmmm. Let's see. (said as Mason does). Christmas was great! We spent Christmas Eve at my parent's, as we always do. Niki's family stays as well, which builds the excitement even more. I was my regular 'scrooge' about waking up early, so we compromised on 6:30am being acceptable. Mason woke up at 4:30am! I tried to give him milk, to get him to go back to sleep, but it was of no use. He was being silly and chatty in the crib. I went and got Niki's kids out of bed (they were restlessly waiting!) and they went to get Niki. I appreciated that her first question was 'Did Brandy say it was okay?'. Mason and I followed behind them saying 'get up, get up!'

Mason was spoiled, but not unbelievably so. It was a good mix of presents from us and Santa. We played lots of games, including our family tradition of poker. We even played a 'wonder game' in honor of my Gma Reynolds. 5 card stud, 5's wild! Her favorite number was 5 and there was nothing more important than family get togethers to Granny!

Stacy's family came up for presents around 11am. We draw names between the 3 families, so that is when we do those exchanges. It was great fun and the boys got mini racecars and mini crawly bug things. Mason and Ellie were a little too young for these toys, so they played with Mason's big racecar! Mason got matchbox cars and a Nerf basketball hoop!

There is a ridiculously funny story that I must post for posterity's sake. My dad, if you don't know him, is a little strong willed. He drew one of my nieces for the Christmas drawing. He wants to be a cool, hip grandpa and succeeds very well. He knows her taste and was determined to pick something out for her. We begged and pleaded for him to just give her a gift card. Nope, that's 'too impersonal'. Well, he went to the opposite extreme instead. Knowing she likes Victoria's Secret items, he hand picked his own grand-daughter some panties (yes, plural!). I'll admit, they were beautiful and totally her style. It's just, well, creepy (if you don't know my dad)! Otherwise, it's freakin' hilarious. I told him that the only way I would allow such things to happen, knowing that he really did put thought and effort into this gift, was for me to warn her that she may want to open her gift without a crowd. He agreed and the warning happened 2+ weeks prior to Christmas. She was concerned, a little. My family is generally pretty darn awesome though, so Christmas morning, she opened her gift for all to see. Grandpa snickered and granddaughter, blushed and smiled. Thanking him, as well. She did ask that we not document the gift with photos. We obliged. What a fantastic family of crazies I have!
Pictures of Christmas morning.

We also went to Discovery Gateway during the holidays, which was delightful. Here are some fun shots from that day.

I realize that I'm never in photos, but somewhere (on someone else's camera) they do exist.

New Year's Eve was actually fun this year. Really, I think it's a drinker's holiday. Niki and Wade got everyone to go to my Mom and Dad's to play games. Games included Hiss, Dominion, Apples to Apples, CEO/Peon, Train game, etc. Stacy's family came (well, the ones who weren't getting kissed at midnight!) We put the little kids to bed early, except Ethan. They let him stay up clear until the New Year rang in. I gave him a big old smooch too! Stacy's family brought non-alcholic bubbly. We got fancy champagne glasses out and had one heck of a toast. Let's see, there were 9 of us that stayed awake for Niki's 'Healthy, Happy and Wealthy' toast! Unfortunately, no photos were taken of this particular moment. Niki did take some photos of the boys doing confetti-style fireworks outside. I even layed down in the snow next to the confetti remains. However, having not seen the photo yet, I believe I recall having 3-5 chins in it!! :) Not a great angle.

Okay, finally, I feel caught up. Mason has had pink eye, so we took him to the doctor. He weighs 31 lbs! His two year old molars are visible on the bottom and he's just as stinkin' adorable as always. I'm still navigating my disciplinary skills, but I'm only getting hit or my hair pulled a couple of times per day! Terrible twos you say, my kid is doing it with style!