Christmas 2009...

After our eventful night (see previous post), we were finally able to hit the sack so Santa could visit. We woke up around 8:30 and headed downstairs to stockings filled to the brim. We ate breakfast and then went upstairs and found lots of gifts under the tree. Nico's been asking Santa for a "gooter" (scooter) and his wish was granted! He also got some new sleep sacks, a book and some stuff for his big boy room. Thanks Santa! Later on that morning, my dad and Tammy came to celebrate with us. They brought lots of goodies for everyone. Thanks guys!

We planned on having lots of people over Christmas day for a soups and desserts lunch/dinner and to play board games and cards. BUT, like I mentioned before, the stomach bug made its rounds and most people couldn't make the trek. Maybe next year!

Riding his "gooter" down the hall.

Opening his Magna-Doodle from Babbo and Tammy.

And a shopping cart, too!

Christmas Eve 2009...

Christmas Eve we went to MeeMaw's (David's grandmother) to celebrate with her. We also got to see most of the Rowes. Nico wasn't feeling too well, thus the pacifier, but he hung in there. We ate BBQ and opened presents. Then it was of to my Granny's for more food and presents. Phew!

New bath toys!!! We've had the same bath toys since he was a baby!

Emma and Nico posing for the paparazzi.

He loves giving Emma hugs and kisses. So sweet!

The Monger Family

Bouncing the Chex Mix into the cup with his great uncle John.

Look at the camera, Granny! She's so in love with that little boy!

Patrick, Granny, Lindsey, Ashley, Nico

Going nigh-night on Granny's coffee table with his bah bah. Couldn't imagine why he didn't have energy-I mean with his chocolate candy, cake and pie dinner and all! Like I said, he hadn't been feeling well and all he wanted to eat was junk. I wasn't going to fight him, plus it was Christmas :) Well, that came back to bite me. After our 2 hour car ride home, he threw up as soon as we walked in the door!

Christmas at Gabby and Paw's...

Wednesday morning we drove to Madison to celebrate Christmas with David's family. Nico and Emma had a great time opening their goodies. I had a pretty good time, too! Gabby and Paw did too much, as usual! Thanks to everyone who made our Christmas great! We love you all!!!

I think he was watching Emma open her presents. He played with her presents and she played with his most of the night. It was so cute!

That's Not My Tractor!

Christmas Cookies...

Tuesday night mom brought over some sugar cookies for us to decorate. I wasn't sure if it was going to be successful-Nico threw up about an hour before we started decorating the cookies (yep, he got the bug, too). He quickly perked up once the cookies and icing were brought out. Funny how those things happen!

Pretty sure he's licking icing off of his hands!

"Need more cookies, Giggy."

Cookie Monster.

Train Table...

Playing with his trains.

Christmas at Giggy's...

Our Christmas festivities began LAST week when we went to Giggy's house. We, along with Ashley and Andy, swapped gifts (too many gifts) with mom and Cat. Nico had a wonderful time opening gifts, but when the train table was brought out it was all over. He played and played with that table-thanks Giggy!!! He will definitely enjoy that gift for years to come. David and I also received some great gifts! After opening presents we celebrated mom's birthday.

I also got a gift I wasn't too happy about...the stomach bug. Blah! This bug has been through just about every family I came into contact with over the holidays. Sorry guys :(

Look at all those gifts!!!

Auburn football from Lala and Anny.

The Smoky Mountains...

Last week, Nico and I headed East to the Smoky Mountains with Gabby, Adam, Sarah, Emma and Eli. While we were there we visited a deer farm/petting zoo. This was so fun!!! I don't know who had a better time: the kids or me and Sarah!!! We had all intentions of visiting Dollywood and checking out their light displays. Dad even got us some tickets. BUT, the park was closed all three days that we were there. Bummer...maybe next year.

"Wow, Mommy, wow!!!", was all Nico could say about this huge camel. I didn't know camels were so BIG! I actually got to hand feed him. He was so gentle eating out of my hand. He has huge teeth, but just used his furry lips to get the food out of my hand...definitely an experience!!!

Taking in the animals.

Yes, we were this close to a zebra!!! This was also very cool. This guy had a bit of an attitude, though. He kept kicking at and chasing an emu that was trying to get some food.

Check out Romeo's chompers!

Those antlers were HUGE!!!

Nico feeding the reindeer.

The Deer Farm welcoming committee. This peacock just sat at the entrance and greeted guests. We went around...his beak looked really sharp.

Wednesday we headed out to Laurel Falls. Of course it was the coldest day of our trip, but that made it a little more fun. I mean, we were in the mountains in December! It was 1.3 miles to the falls. The trail was paved so we were able to push the kids in their vehicle of choice. Nico wasn't as miserable as he seems in the picture above. Can anyone say "A Christmas Story"???

Babbo, Nico and Mommy about half way up.

We made it! Nico pointing at the waterfall.

Well worth the hike!

Babbo and Nico at Laurel Falls.

After naps we went for a stroll in downtown Gatlinburg. There was a cute little spot off the main drag that was decorated really cute. They had a sleigh set up as a picture opp, but I wasn't going to tease Nico by letting him get out of his car for that.

Dad also got us a family pass to The Aquarium. We all got in for free!!! Here are Nico and Emma in their matching cars just inside The Aquarium. It took us about 10 minutes to get down to our regular clothes. It was COLD outside and we were layered!

The three kiddos in the shark tunnel.

Beautiful jellyfish.

Thursday we met Tammy and Babbo for breakfast. Luckily we timed our trip just right to help Tammy celebrate her birthday :)

Hey, I Know You...

This morning, we went to Opry Mills with Jen, Cade, Samantha and Jax. While we were there we took advantage of the short line to see Santa. This was Nico's second picture of the season (see below). This was the best picture of Nico, but not necessarily the other boys. It's cute anyway! And true to the moment. Nico was the first to sit on Santa's lap and I think he got a little jealous when Jax was put up there. He started crying and didn't want to sit up there anymore, thus the chair next to Santa. He was obviously OK after that...Jax, however, was not.

Opryland Hotel...

It was our turn to host playgroup this week. I decided we would meet at The Opryland Hotel to take in the lights and grab a bite. The kids had a great time running around the hotel looking at all of the decorations.

"Look, Mommy! A boat!"

Nico and Thomas

Nico and the gang

Hannah, Marigny and Nico...Nico Suave!

Waiting for Santa...

Tuesday night Nico, myself, Giggy (mom), Wampus (Cat), LaLa (Aunt Ashley) and Anny (Andy) went to the mall to visit Santa Claus. Nico went right up to Santa and sat on his lap. He's been practicing telling Santa what he wants for Christmas (a scooter). Nico did great-No crying or squirming, but also no smiling. Next year we will practice smiling before we head out to the mall! Oh well, we still got a great picture!!!

As we were waiting (Santa was on his dinner break when we got there) Nico befriended this cute little girl. They were running around "The North Pole" reeking havoc...just kidding...they were so cute together! Nico is quite the ladies man!

Nico and Mommy

Papa met us out there, just in time to pose for a quick pic before meeting the big guy!

Merry Christmas!!!

Gingerbread House 2009...

I have been wanting to get a gingerbread house for Nico (and myself) to decorate. Well my frugalness paid off! David "won" one at his company holiday party during Dirty Santa. Not necessarily a success. I made the icing too runny, so none of our decorations would stay on the house. I probably could have thickened it up, but Nico was more interested in eating the decorations so I didn't see the need...see the evidence below:

Got cha!

Mmmmm!

May not want to eat this gingerbread house since it was so close to Nico's stinky feet ;)

Our masterpiece!!! Yes, that was supposed to be the door with a wreath over it, but I gave up! Go ahead, call me a quitter!

Sesame Street Live...

Yesterday afternoon, Giggy, Nico and I went to see Sesame Street Live. Nico was so excited to go see Elmo, but honestly, I think I was more excited than he was! We had great seats, right on the floor. We were about 10 feet from the action. It was a total emotional overload for Nico. He was so overwhelmed with happiness, excitement, nervousness and a little bit of apprehension. I mean, he's never experienced anything like this! It was so great to see his expressions! He had a couple of meltdowns. We were so close to the stage that it was almost torture for the little guy. He wanted so badly to go up to all of the characters. He also lost it just about every time they got done with a number. He didn't want the singing and dancing to stop. Aside from that, he was in total amazement :) What a great experience. We'll definitely be doing this again next year!

Why no pics of the show??? Well, I got on the venue's website to see if I could bring in a camera. Nope, not allowed. Well, either no one follows the rules or the rules are bent when half the audience is made up of two year olds. EVERYONE had their cameras, except me! So, we have our one picture of the evening-taken in the parking garage before the show. Oh well, I have the memories in my head to look back on!

Aunt BB and Uncle Ben...

Brandi and Ben were in Madison last week for Brandi's grandmother's funeral. Nico and I headed down for a quick visit. Wednesday morning, before Ben and Brandi had to head out, we went to Cracker Barrel for "pancakes". Nico talked about them so much on the way there, that by the time we got to the restaurant we all wanted pancakes! This boy LOVES his pancakes! Nico was totally digging Ben. Since Brandi is Aunt BB, it is only fitting that Ben be Uncle Ben. Nico asked about the two of them the rest of the day!