Christmas 2011: The Woodlands

Still catching up on blog posts, but getting oh, so close! Time to begin the Christmas 2011 posts. Though it was a little over a month ago, we had fantastic Advent and Christmas seasons this year. But then, when are they not wonderful!?! Something about the time of year makes it so joyful, especially when seen through the eyes of children. And these little guys are just starting to get to that age where absolutely everything about Christmas is magical. And I suppose Mark and I have re-entered the phase of it being magical, just in a completely different way! And as a mother, celebrating the birth of a baby is always special...considering we get to ponder, reflect upon, and celebrate the birth of Christ is a true blessing of our faith.

Though it was supposed to be an Asmussen Christmas this year, we were tied to The Woodlands for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because Mark was on-call. Luckily, my parents were still in town and my two youngest brothers came to see them so we certainly weren't alone. We had a fun Christmas Eve attending mass, eating yummy prime rib and opening gifts. The following morning (Christmas morning), we did our own little family Christmas at our house. So much fun! Shortly there after, my mom and brothers brought over breakfast (Dad had to leave on a trip). It was a very enjoyable, laid back, fun filled day with family.

Reagan helping Uncle Dave open his new pots and pans

Grant's first Christmas! (and like Mama, his half-birthday!) Best gift we received all year. And yes, he's hanging out in a bath tub chair! At this point his sitting unassisted wasn't quite up to par. ;)

Pinkie and Pa surprised the boys with their own kitchen! They love pretending to make food, do dishes, etc so this was a super gift for them.

Two chefs hard at work

They loved pretending like the phone was ringing and talking to whoever was on the other line.

Mark and Pat hanging out on the stairs and playing with the boys' remote controlled car.

Handsome Boy!

We went to an 8pm mass...this was afterwards...can you tell we're getting tired!?!

Christmas morning! Rudy trying out his new fishing pole from Dada.

Really, the fishing poles were a definite win. They came with little practice fish attached instead of hooks and they spent hours casting and reeling. (Kolbe is also modeling the chef hat and apron they got from Mama.)

More presents! A new bat to play t-ball!

When I was growing up, my little brothers got play shaving kits one year for Christmas. As I was racing through Target one day with just Grant, I reached down to tie my shoe and spotted play shaving kits on the bottom rack on clearance for $3 each. I couldn't resist. The boys love them and are too cute...already looking way too grown up!

Of course Dada had to help them lather up for their first "little boy shave." I'm pretty sure I'll have the camera going and a tear in my eye when it's the real deal some day! (which for Kolbe might be a year from now, the way he's going. Ha!)