Christmas in NJ

Even though it required a plane ride this year, we still trekked to NJ for Christmas with the Anderson side of the family.  The kids were super-excited to pull their own suitcases and get on a plane to NY hoping to get a glimpse of the big tree from the plane (we flew via LaGuardia).  Bill and I were so busy trying to get our stuff down the aisle of the plane that I didn't realize that the kids weren't following us until I turned around and panicked to see that they turned left and walked right into the cockpit! Thankfully the crew were super-nice and let Isaac and Caitlin hang out and check out the plane.  It might have been a bribe to get him to stop asking questions (Isaac asked what EVERY button did), but after a few minutes they gave Isaac and Caitlin their very own wings and sent them very happily to their seats.

When we landed in NY, Bill revealed that he planned a surprise night out in NYC for me - Broadway show (Once) and fancy dinner (Babbo) included - with help from his parents who met us in the city and took the kids home and my dad who was out of town but let us stay in his apartment (and got the tickets!).  I was totally surprised and beyond excited and we had a great night.  The kids had a blast too, staying up late and having breakfast with Santa Clause!

The next day we met up with the rest of the family and headed down to the Shore to see Grandma Jo and Uncle Jim and Rox.  The kids got to spend a fun night with Grandma Jo and their cousin Sara (babysitter-extraordinaire) and we got to have another delicious dinner with the grown-ups at Nicholas that beat Babbo hands down!

Then it was back to the Andersons' house to get ready for Christmas! Instead of a ginger bread house, this year Grandma got the kids a GingerBread train station, which they LOVED decorating with Grandma and Aunt Ray-Ray who showed impressive patience with the numerous attempts to eat the decorations :)

After the houses were done, the mess continued with Isaac and Caitlin helping make Christmas cookies for Santa. 

Finally, after all the preparations were done, it was time for Christmas Eve dinner with the whole Anderson Family.  The kids got dressed up and waited patiently to open the first round of presents, which were (as always) plentiful.  After presents, we ate a DELICIOUS dinner and had a really nice night. After being allowed to stay up extra late, the kids got into the holiday PJs and put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer and finally turned in once I convinced them that Santa could still come through the chimney if the fire was burning :)

Rach, Bill and Grandma Jo did "zoolander"

The kids were super-excited to wake up and find the milk and cookies and carrots all gone and the living room overflowing with presents!! This really was Isaac's face when he walked in :) In their Christmas pajamas, the kids were camouflaged and almost lost amidst the gifts! They made out like bandits and we all had a wonderful day opening gifts, putting together and playing with new toys and eating more delicious food and just hanging out having fun.

Grown-ups continued the merriment after bedtime :)

On the 26th we headed back to Colorado, but due to the winter storms that hit the northeast, our flight was delayed by more than 6 hours. Thanks to the wonders of all things Apple and the gift shop, we were able to entertain the kids until takeoff and then we all slept the whole way home! Overall, it was a great Christmas for all of us!