Roberts Family Blog

Welcome to post number two about Christmas   I'll have to start by saying that Christmas is 8000 times better with kids!  The holiday becomes so joyful and magical through their eyes, and I just soaked up every minute of it.  Even my littlest man seemed to know that something very special was going on and that he should be extra cute and sweet and happy.  Of course Hayden, despite a nasty cold, was in Heaven on Christmas morning and was just thrilled to unwrap toy after toy.  True to his nature, however, he really did stop to enjoy each item and he didn't rush through anything.  I think his last present was opened at about 8 pm, literally!

The day started early with me waking up with a nasty cold...I could feel it coming on on Christmas Eve but had chosen to ignore it and drink wine and stay up late with our friends, so really it was my own fault!  I woke up determined not to let a runny nose and sore throat ruin my time at all.  Then the wait began!  And by that, I mean waiting for my kids to get up!  Who does that on Christmas morning?!?  Aren't they supposed to be playing with toys under the tree at first light?  Well Hayden decided to choose this morning to sleep until 9:15!!  Oh my gosh I was so anxious for him to get up and see the gifts that Santa left for him and Pierce!!  Here is the adorably peaceful sight I saw each time I popped my head into his room to check on him

And here was Mr. Piercy, loving his morning of chilling in bed with mom and dad, waiting for his brother to wake up!

The living room was all festivy, and the horsy that "Santa picked up in Colorado from Grandpop" was awaiting Hayden.

Well he finally woke up, and as usual he sought me out and climbed into my lap to snuggle.  He didn't even see the new toys and gifts under the tree at first, but believe me, when he did, he was transfixed!  He immediately climbed onto his horse, whom he quietly named "Golly Horsey" - don't ask me where he got this from - and promptly started asking to open his presents while still ON the horse   Too cute.  Here is a video and some photos of our morning....one of the very best I can remember!!

My parents and brother were supposed to come over for brunch that morning, to watch the kids open their gifts, but after venturing out on the roads, they had to immediately turn back because the roads were a sheet of ice.  It was a bummer, but we made the best of it by taking an unscheduled dip in the hottub with the boys.  There was still plenty of snow on the ground, and the sun was shining - perfection!  And they are so cute in there!  Pierce just splashes away in delight, and Hayden practices his swimming and jibber jabbers about airplanes and clouds and everything around him. 

After that, we got ready and headed to my parents house for Christmas dinner.  It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon of food, family, and fun.  I feel so blessed, because I think only twice in my life have I ever not been with my parents on Christmas!  Once was when I spent Christmas in Europe with my brother and once the first year we moved to Texas.  Both times I managed to see my family shortly afterward for a belated celebration.  We also spent two Christmas seasons in California, and those memories are so wonderful because Nathan and I were first newly engaged and entertaining them in our cute little San Ramon apartment with the awesome view , and then newly married and pregnant in our cool  Livermore pad, and soaking up the sights and sounds of the Bay Area with my parents at the holidays was so amazing.  I remember 3 years ago when I was pregnant with Hayden and my parents came for Christmas.  I was still very ill, and also slightly in shock because the pregnancy was not expected.  My mom arrived and just HUGGING her felt good and made me feel like OK I can do this.  We baked our favorite Christmas cookies together - sugar cookie candy canes - with red and white dough - and I remember assembling them to bake and I just got this huge moment of anxiety.....how can I do this whole mom thing?!?  I just looked at my mom with big tears and she immediately hugged me and calmed my fears and it was just the best.  She had so much faith in me from the start.  My brother soon arrived from London, and we carroled in the streets of Livermore (I think everyone but me had had some wine by that time!) and just had the best time.  I am SO thankful for this family!!  Although we have celebrated in a lot of settings over the years, I just cannot imagine Christmas without the traditions of my family, and I think in that I am a bit reluctant to grow up!  I just cherish all the memories I have stored from each year, and from all that my parents have done to make the holiday special each and every time, and I endeavor to be as good of a parent to my own children.

Ahh..coming back to the present...Hayden and Pierce continued to be spoiled with toys and books and all things under the sun while Christmas day continued!  My brother Jeffrey got Hayden a GeoTrax, which is basically a small remote control train set, which pretty much has occupied Hayden for every waking moment since he received it.  Honestly - it's so cool!  Piercey was totally appreciate of all his toys too, but mostly he liked waving around and eating the paper   The dogs also got to come to the party and played with some new frisbees that Santa brought.

Despite some colds, and the crazy winter weather, we truly loved this Christmas of 2009 and we are so thankful to have this wonderful family to share the season with.  We missed our family in Colorado and Wisconsin, and around the country, but are thankful for each and every one of them, and the happiness they bring to our lives.  I am also so thankful for my husband who is the best partner in the world.  So much love there.

Here are some parting photos of the kids enjoying themselves and their new toys this Christmas.

Pierce and Hayden "debated" over this toy from Grandpop for awhile.  Hayden was sure it was his airplane, but really Grandpop got it for little Pierce   Either way, they both loved it! 

Pierce doing his best airplane impression.

More cutie pie Pierce in his Christmas best

Pierce in his "London Undergound" outfit from Jeffrey

Dally playing catch - what a happy boy