Christmas in Durham

I knew from the amount of pictures that I had from this holiday season that I would have trouble keeping the entries in any semblance of order.  I was right, so you'll have to bear with me as we have a bit of a diversion. 

Before we went to Texas, and before we met the big guy himself in Bass Pro Shop, we celebrated Christmas-Durham style when Ian's parents came up to Durham the weekend before we left for Texas.  We had some presents that were far too big to take to Texas and we wanted to have the opportunity to do a little celebrating with Gram and Gramps.  So, they arrived, and like Santa, they unloaded their white-Venza of a sleigh.  It made for a very happy tree.  They arrived late at night, so we were all waiting around for Evan to wake up so we could open gifts and have some fun.  However, of course he decided to sleep in that morning and almost slept in until Benny's morning nap time! 

When Evan came down the stairs and his eyes alighted on the tree, he was very interested.  So, we all headed in to the living room and started opening presents.  Evan's first present was a "Follow Me, Thomas" where you take a flashlight and shine it in front of a toy Thomas train.  He will then follow the light.  Evan opened the train, and proceeded to play with it for the rest of the day.  It was definitely the big hit.  It was also a big hit for Ripple.  He has always loved lasers, so Thomas's light drove him absolutely crazy.  He spent the day running around and biting at the carpet wherever Evan would shine the light. 

(Evan and Rip investigate the happy tree.)

(Evan and Ripple play with Thomas)

(Evan creates some brilliant artwork on his new easel.)

Benny wasn't too in to the whole present thing, but he did enjoy playing with his stuffed animal aquarium.  It had lots of great little stuffed animals that he could put in his mouth.  He also got a learning house with has all sorts of great bells and whistles to play with, but Ian and I got ready to assemble it that weekend, and the manufacturers had conveniently left out the bolts needed for assembly.  Poor Ben will have to wait for his learning house a little longer.

(Ben has some present opening fun.)

Ian and I also had a gift to contribute to the boys that weekend.  We had been diligently working late nights the previous week to assemble a swing set in our garage that would be a joint present for both boys from Ian and I and Gram and Gramps!  Turns out it wasn't even that tricky to put together, we were very proud of ourselves.  So, Saturday morning we hauled it out into the backyard, and told Evan he could go look in the backyard.  Of course, both the boys loved it, but I don't think they were nearly as excited as the adults.  We all headed out there in the chilly weather.  Evan and Ben both had turns in the bucket swing.  Evan climbed up and drove with the steering wheel.  He took a turn down the slide, followed by me with a Ben on my lap.  I think it's a great addition to the backyard, and I can't wait to complete the project when we add our fence in the new year!

(Ian and some garage play set assembly)

(Evan swings...)

(Ben swings...)

(Ben drives...)

 

(Evan drives)

 

(Gram and Gramps pose with the boys.)

It was a great weekend with good company and great food (a little trip to Dame's to get some Chicken and Waffles).  It was also a fabulous way to kick off our holiday celebrations.  Thanks for coming to visit, Gram and Gramps, and thanks for everything!

Next time, more mixed-up tales of our Christmas celebrations!