After we ate, we bundled up and heading down to the Independence mall for a look at the Liberty bell, and the Continental Congress center. We also had time to take a carriage ride. The carriage ride was nice and warm, and was a much better option for site seeing in 45mph wind and 35 degree weather. I guess it wasn’t anything a quick stop at Dunkin couldn’t fix!!
When we got home we put on a pot of coffee while we ate dinner, and as soon as dinner was done we went straight for the birthday cake.
By the time everyone left, the kids were exhausted and ready for bed. They didn’t want to miss Santa coming so they all went to bed without a peep. About midnight, I went upstairs to get ready for bed and Zoe was tossing a turning. I asked her if she wanted to sleep with us, of course the answer was, “YES!” Before we could get snug in the bed, Zoe realized she had forgotten to do a few things before she went to bed. She RAN down and left Santa a cupcake and milk, and then ran outside to throw out some oats for the reindeer. After all that was done, we ran as fast as we could upstairs and jumped in the bed. Zoe’s heart was beating so fast. She was so excited!
Zoe didn’t sleep sound all night and by 4am, I was more tired than when I went to bed, Zoe just couldn’t get comfortable and kept tossing and turning. By about 6:30am, she was up and ready to get the boys and head downstairs to see if Santa came. They were literally pushing each other down the stairs. Their little faces lit up as soon as they saw all the stuff Santa brought them. The boys especially were in awe. I’m not sure they could process the whole thing but to see it all go down, was priceless.
Meanwhile, while the kids were tearing open all their goodies, Nana was in the kitchen making homemade cinnamon rolls, and the house smelled heavenly. We made a huge pot of coffee and tore into those delicious rolls. After a quick break, it was off to finish off the rest of the gifts. The kids were way OVER STIMULATED to say the least. Shoot, I was over stimulated; it was a lot to take in. I kind of sat back and tried to take it all in and enjoy the moment to the fullest. It was almost like time lapse photography for me. My three babies were on planet ‘Bliss’, and all I could hear was, “Look!”, “I love it!”, “Wow!”, “Cool!”, “Awesome!” I couldn’t be happier!
After we opened gifts, the kids went down for a nap and the adults found a cozy spot on the couch to recoup from a hectic morning. Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed and head over to John and Bryan’s for dinner. By dinner, I mean we ate and ate and ate. We ate so much we were sick. The guys always have the most beautiful spread and everything was simply divine.
We rolled ourselves into the car and headed home after a long and wonderful day. I’d have to say this was a Christmas I will never forget. The kids made it extra special for me and I’m so thankful I got to spend the holiday with them. It’s been a rocky year with three kids but when you see them so happy, it makes my heart smile and reassures me that all the hard work and tears were worth it.
ENTRY 1
It snowed pretty much on and off all day today. The kids were standing by the window looking out at the snow fall -- begging to go outside. The snow was falling but at 8am, there just wasn’t enough snow to get all three kids dressed from head to toe in winter gear. I told them we would go outside after naps when the snow had more time to accumulate.
When the kids got up from their naps, they were ready to GO! I got them all dressed and then got myself dressed so we could go outside and play. It was FREEZING! I was frozen seconds after we stepped out the door. And to think I left my cozy fireplace to chase my rug rats around in the snow. What we won't do for our kids!!!
All three of them were so excited. They were throwing snowballs at each other, jumping up and down, and of course Zoe had to show the boys what snow angels were all about. I’ve never heard all them laugh and enjoy themselves more than I did this afternoon. As freezing and uncomfortable as I was, I couldn’t rain on their parade. They were having a blast! I just stood there listening to them laugh. Their laugh was so pure and warmed my heart. I couldn’t help but to laugh watching them.
As soon as we came inside, the first thing I heard was, “Mommy, can you PLEASEEEEE make us some hot chocolate with marshmallows to warm us up?” I said, ‘Yes, yes, yes!
It’s hard to have three kids stuck in a house all day. Heck, they do better than me. I cannot stand to be stuck inside. I always have something planned or an activity for them. However, this weekend, because Shelli was out of town all week, I had nothing planned. I figured I would just ‘wing it’. I don’t know how I pull it off when Shelli is out of town but I always do. This time I managed to do it without any meltdowns – from me or the kids! It only took me a year to get the hang of it. That has to account for something, right?
The Christmas countdown has started. I have three kids who are anxiously awaiting Santa to arrive, two little boys that are obsessed with our Christmas tree, lights, and all the gifts under it, and a daughter who is my shining star and being the best foster sister a child could ask for.
