Three Christmas...The Final One!

Wow, we made it through Christmas! I hope all of you reading this enjoyed your Christmas as much as we did! It was so nice to have another relaxing day. Though our day began early once again, thanks to Pres, it was a pleasant one. Bennett awoke later than usual, closer to 8am, and we began our final day of Christmas. Steve went up to get Bennett and she came down and inspected her bowl that she left out for Santa. He ate all of the cookies, leaving only crumbs.












Both kids were timid about opening their first presents, but after a little assistance from Poppy, Preston was the first one to tear into one. He received a little tool case which was a hit with both kids. So much so, that they needed coaxing to keep opening presents (I guess this was a HUGE sign that they had received enough). Anyway, Bennett chose the biggest box under the tree with her name on it to open first and she was very excited to get a chest with three new princess dresses. Since she received several new dress-up items last night, we now had the perfect place to store it all!







Even Spencer got to partake in the fun and enjoy his own special treat....a big bone! He carried that darn thing around the house all day long he was so proud of it.
















In fact, the other man of the house got a couple of new things himself. He was so generous with me, and though we gave him a new briefcase for his new job, I wanted to get a couple of things that he has been dropping hints about (a pocket camera and a piece of luggage). All three of these items will be perfect for his new job since he'll be on the road.

Even though fun was had by all, naps had to be taken so we could recharge and play with all of the toys! Preston fell asleep so hard on top of his stuffed animals in his bed...poor baby. But he felt so much better afterward, and really enjoyed his ride in Bennett's new car.

Now I think you can tell by my photos that these two kids LOVE their new car. Poppy did research on this purchase because he wanted to make sure the car had enough power to drive in the grass (since we really don't have much of a driveway). We only asked that it be a two seater, but this one has two speeds, goes in reverse and has a "trunk" in the back for Bennett to put all of her things. Since she always is carrying something, this works perfectly! Today she put her purse in the back while she gave Pres the ride of his life! It was so stinking funny to watch them drive in circles because Bennett does NOT know how to steer yet. We finally taught her how to take her foot off the pedal when we yell stop, but she doesn't quite understand that the fence, tree, tiki torches or people are not always going to be able to move out of her way.

After naps we went back to the Mizerany's house for a big feast. My parents came with us and we all stuffed ourselves. They left to go see a movie, while we stayed there and let the kids play with their cousins some more. When Preston started to show the signs of exhaustion, we packed up and headed home. Another great day spent with family, and watching my children laugh and smile. What more could I ask for?

Three Christmases...Part 2

Yesterday we had an incredibly lazy day...staying in our PJs all day long and just hanging around the house while it rained outside. The children played with all of their new toys and we just watched them. It was nice to not have any responsibilities for once. What was even better was the fact that I got a two hour nap! Our wonderful son has been getting up between 4-5 am, so I have been exhausted!

When there was a break in the rain, we loaded up the car with all of the gifts for Christmas #2 at the Mizerany's house. So we brought in the stroller and Bennett rolled it in front of the TV so she and Pres could watch one of her new movies from a comfy seat. After naps we showered and got ready for church. They do a couple of services on Christmas Eve where the children dress up and act out a nativity scene. This year Bennett dressed up as Mary, which worked out well since she didn't want to leave her new baby at home (he played the role of baby Jesus).

Afterward the chaos started again at Steve's parents with more gift exchanging. Both of the children got more wonderful things...Bennett got dress-up clothes, twin babies and a double stroller and cash, and Pres got a couple of trucks, a Nerf football, a mini karaoke machine and cash. We seriously should not have a third Christmas, but Steve and I had to get the kids a couple of things from us and Santa.

Pony Pride!

Tonight SMU beat Nevada at the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: 45-10!! For many of you who haven't known me very long, you probably didn't know that I graduated from SMU. Since so many of my blog posts are about Alabama and their amazing football team, I don't blame you. I actually am a VERY proud SMU alumni, but their football team has never recovered from the death penalty 20 years ago. When June Jones was hired last year, I recall Steve telling me that he will turn that program around because he is a good coach. But I never would have guessed he would take them to their first bowl game in 25 years (and come away with a victory) so quickly! I love seeing that they won, and to a decent team. They used to have such a wonderful program (and not just because they paid their players...they had talent and good coaches back in the day). So for those few mustang friends that read this blog...I give you all a high five! GO MUSTANGS!

Three Christmases

One down, two to go! Last night was like something I haven't seen before....presents stacked higher than the children and then wrapping paper that covered the floor of our living room! It was so crazy with the 4 little ones tearing into their presents, enjoying each one briefly before opening the next one.

Steve and I started off with a camera and video recorder in hand, but the chaos was too much and we had to step in and man our children. Bennett was the worst of the four, not sharing anything that she received, and claiming everything of the other's. Poor Preston kept crying because he wanted to look at some of her goods, but she wouldn't let him near it. Henley stood around in amazement of everyone, and Christian played Santa...giving each person their gift. There were a lot of sweet moments that I failed to get on camera, like Bennett and Henley sitting together in a chair holding their new babies from Nene and Poppy, Preston offering kisses to everyone, the smile on Christian's face when we told him the gift he was holding was actually for him, and then Bennett trying to steer her new motorized car in the dark with Christian co-piloting. Though it was a little much, when I sit down and just think about those little things, it melts my heart. I am so glad that my kids have all of their cousins in the same city, and that Christian and Henley are so close in age to my kids. We have so much fun in store!!

After the gift exchange, we sat down, drank some wine and had dinner. Steve and I made pork tenderloin, scalloped dijon potatoes and corn. Then we had chocolate cake and cookies for dessert...yummy! Anyway, I think all of the Banta's had fun, and it certainly put a different light on what our holidays are going to be over the next few years.

Tonight, we are going to the children's service at church, and then to the Mizerany's for Christmas #2! More stories and photos to come....

Baking Again

Today Bennett and I baked a chocolate cake for dessert. Or maybe I should say, I baked it while she licked the beaters...

After cake, we brushed our teeth. However I only have one child who LOVES to brush his teeth. Like I said in earlier posts, he is the cleanest person in the house. And thanks to our friend Danny, he now has his very own electric spiderman toothbrush (thanks Danny!)

Sunday School Christmas Party

Last night, Steve and I attended our Sunday school Christmas party. I know we probably should have stayed home since both were sick

(and I don't think Steve would have needed to be talked into it), but mommy needed a break! Even though Steve stayed at home Wednesday night with the kids so I could meet some girlfriends for dinner, I had to get out of the house last night!

I get so stir crazy, and the constant coughing was driving me nuts.

I will probably pay for it today since I am keeping both kids home from their mother's day out program, but it was worth it. We feel so fortunate to have such a great group of friends to hang with, and it is always fun to get together! Ashley and Mary Michael, opened up their home for our large group and everyone brought a dish to share. We drank, filled our tummys and shared lots of stories!