On December 19th, 2010 we headed up to Williams, Arizona for our annual Polar Express trip. We all climbed aboard the train wearing our pj's ready to pick up Santa from the North Pole. Hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies were served to go along with the Polar Express story that was read and all the wonderful Christmas songs we sang. We ended up have to change our plans and cancel our hotel for the evening after the Polar Express because we all came down with a nasty cold 3 days before we were suppose to leave.
Yummy cookies
Ike taking it all in.
North Pole picking Santa Claus up
Santa Claus giving the boys their sliver bells
Christmas Eve was filled with family, laughter, good food, and great memories! Our first stop for the day was at Great Grandma and Grandpa McGee's. There we enjoyed a Christmas dinner with them, and shared gifts with each other. The boys enjoying going up and down the halls of the care center in Great Grandma power chair.
After visiting with the Great Grandparents we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a round of phase 10 card game. Time always flies when you are having fun...in no time it was time to head over to Uncle David's and Aunt Karen's house for the big get together with the family. Aunt Karen and Uncle David made a wonderful prime rib, and so many yummy sides to choose from. Bryan enjoy being back old memories with his cousin about teaming up on Misty as a kid, and all the trouble they got into as kids.
We ended the evening with a gift exchange for the kids.
Bryan and I were excited to get home and prepare the house for Santa Claus visit. Bryce went to bed without any troubles at all, and was super excited to wake up to see what Santa and left. Bryan and I finally tucked in around 11:30 with our alarm set for an early Christmas morning.
7 o'clock alarm has gone off, and we are up and about...monkey bread is cooking, pigs in a blanket are cooking, coffee is brewing we were set for everyone to arrive. Around 8am Auntie Misty arrived and shortly after Grandma and Grandpa McGee arrived just in time for breakfast and gifts.
The boys took it easy on us and slept in until about 8:30am. Bryce couldn't believe his eyes when he came into the living room and saw Santa actually came and left something under the tree for him and brother.
Santa left Bryce a new bike, and Black and Decker workbench with all power tools. Isaac was happy to see that Santa brought him a Spider-man 4 wheeler.
Later in the morning after Ryan made it over we started in on the big gifts from Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa McGee, Auntie Misty and Uncle Ryan. Isaac was into unwrapping all the gifts, and Bryce on the other hand wanted to stop and play with all the toys.
Monster tucks were the winning toy for this Christmas for Bryce.
The winning item for Isaac would be his Woody toy, and his 4 wheeler.
Watch OUT here I come!!
As a family tradition we always have Swedish Meatballs and Lefse for Christmas lunch. Grandma McGee makes the best meatballs you've ever eaten, and the lefse is special ordered from Wisconsin. We topped off lunch with a peppermint cheesecake. We finished the evening with TONS of laughter and games.
Day After Christmas:
Clean up day, we had so much to clean up around the house. This past month has been nothing but on the run 24/7. So it was time to stop and pick up everything that was out of place from all the running and going. After the house and garage were picked up we all took a midday nap. Boy it's nice to slow down and relax every once and away. But we couldn't relax for to long, after dinner we headed out to another annual tradition we have and that was Zoo lights at the Phoenix Zoo. We had huge accomplishments from Bryce he braved the carousel and LOVED it. Last year Bryce was terrified to ride the carousel and kicked and screamed the whole time on it. This year he was happy, and willing to only hold on with ONE hand! Grandma and Grandpa McGee were so proud of him for over coming his fear!
The End!
sounds like you guys had an incredible year (and christmas!!!) polar express?? how awesome that had to be for the kids!! it's one of our favorite movies:)
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