Christmas Morning '11

It took a little reminding/hinting, but we got the kids into the front room to see what Santa had brought them.  So fun to see the big eyes!  Ashlyn and Braden did pretty well digging into the wrapping paper.  We then headed downstairs and it didn't take long for Peyton to see the train table.  As soon as she said the words, Ashlyn and Braden took off for it.  They then went to see the trampoline and Peyton did her best to teach Ashlyn and Braden what to do.  They loved to stand on it while she jumped.

Christmas Night

just got up from naps and already fighting over the new toy

not quite awake yet

The girl loves her shoes!

Tommy and Trip

Peyton loves the babies

We hosted Christmas dinner with my side of the fam, but with everything that went on this year we kept it much more low key.  No mashed potatoes (the horror!).  Nancy still made several fancy schmancy desserts, thankfully (they are the best!).  Nana Judy came over a bit early so the kids could open her gifts before the rest of the craziness started.  Among a few other things, Braden got yet more trucks, Peyton got new princess dresses and shoes and Ashlyn got a Build-A-Bear.  Papa and Betty joined us this year (the first year the fam didn't get together for Christmas Eve).  It was fun watching them open the gift from us grandkids - a picture of all of us and the great-grandkids.  The kids all had fun playing together.  They are getting too big!

Christmas Eve!

Aunt Melissa helping P open her easel

the adults opening their stockings

Little Man Dom

We changed it up this year and spent Christmas Eve at Greg's dad's with just the Thies/Wall family.  There was a ton of great food and Ashlyn and Braden were excited that they are now tall enough to reach the table!  They went crazy as usual on gifts for the kids.  Among other things, Ashlyn got a baby doll with Moses basket and feeding/clothing accessories.  Peyton got an art easel and Braden got every truck the store had, including one that has mega blocks, which combined his two main interests!  P also got a Cinderella Barbie which is now her favorite Barbie.  They also had a stocking for each "kid" and grandkid.  Gaga read "Twas the night before Christmas".  It was a great night!

Thies-Niehaus Christmas 2011

Can I get in there?

Peyton and Flynn in their matching tutus

With the exception of Greg and I getting a stomach bug in the evening, we had another great Christmas with Jean, Terry, five siblings plus spouses and 12 kids.  Peyton got lots of art supplies, a tutu and headbands.  Ashlyn got a laptop and puzzle and Braden got a car toy that he played with non-stop for weeks afterwards, in addition to the family membership to the Magic House!  Ashlyn was obsessed with the fish pond in the basement and she almost made it in their a couple times!  They had so much fun with their cousins.  Ashlyn and Braden went to sleep in their pack n plays and Peyton and Flynn slept together.  It's fun watching them become friends.  After the kids went to bed the adults played a river rafting game and Just Dance on the XBox Kinect.  So much fun, I want one now!  After all night of sitting there watching everyone else dance, Greg finally got up for an all-guy number.  Too much fun!

More Tree Pix

Ashlyn and Braden were very curious about this big green sparkly thing in our living room.  Many a day I would find them playing in the corner.  Louis liked it, too!

Breakfast with Santa '11

We had another fun year at the Mother of Twins Club Breakfast with Santa.  Ashlyn and Braden got to enjoy the pancakes this year (they are so good!) and all three had fun making crafts and hanging out with our friends.