Merry Christmas 2011

Christmas is so much fun with children! As the boys counted down towards the "big day" they got more and more excited for the mysterious packages under the tree.

They were up bright and early, but Mommy and Daddy were up even earlier than they were! We opened gifts as a family in the morning, and Collin's father, sister and niece came later in the day for Christmas dinner.

The older boys opening a present for Finnian, who could care less about the gifts under the tree.

The boys helping Daddy open a present.

Baby Finnian enjoying his new toy cellphone.

My new Ott light (craft light)! I was pleasantly surprised, as is evidenced by the look on my face.

Latham being goofy.

Funny enough, I wrapped his Finn McMissile in an old diaper box, and he was happy thinking that he got diapers! Of course, he was happier when he saw the toy inside.

Ronan had been asking for this old-fashoined pinball game from the Cabela's catalogue for months.

Once the extended family arrived, we had more gifts to open. By now, Finnian was getting the hang of it. Looking on are cousin Lauryn and Aunt Teresa.

Modeling his new sweater.

Ronan's big gift of the day was his very first real gun! He was so excited because he loves to go to the local gun range with Daddy. Latham took it pretty hard that Ronan got a gun and he didn't, but he was assured that when he is old enough, he'll get his own too.

Papa and Ronan had a good time playing with "Lincoln Logs".

Mommy and Baby Boy #2

Finnian got a walking toy, but he actually took his first steps (unaided) on the 17th of December! Watch out world!

The feast that Collin and I prepared. We prepped the evening before, and it was so easy to get it out on the table the next day - no stress!

Merry Christmas!

On the 26th we drove up to Canada to celebrate with the Holte side of the family - that meant more presents!

Bubba and Latham



Sorry Mom, this is the only picture that I have of you so I had to include it to prove you were there.

Call me weird, but yes, I did ask for a small vacuum for Christmas. I asked for a steam mop too (and I got it from Collin). Anything to make my job as a stay-at-home mommy easier, right?!?

Check out the belt around Latham's waist. Lately, both older boys have a fascination with belts and a few days before Christmas Ronan asked me, "Mommy, can you please, please, please get me a belt?" Auntie Delta obliged. A week before Christmas Latham noticed that his pants had belt loops and excitedly exclaimed, "Look, my pants have belt holders! My pants have belt holders!"

Delta and her Pam Am bag that she asked for for Christmas. I wasn't even sure that they made them, but I was happy to track one down.

The older boys, especially Ronan, were all about the Leapfrogs that they got.

Latham doesn't quite get it yet, but he'll catch on soon enough because of Ronan.

Sorry all the pictures are of opening presents (yes, we do celebrate and recognize the real reason for the season), but we didn't seem to take out the camera after the first hour of being at my parents' house. Later in the afternoon my aunt, cousins, and Lara's boyfriend came for the big turkey dinner. It was a great Christmas!

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas too, and all the best from the McLoughlin household to yours in 2012!