Christmas in Charleston

We survived Christmas 2008. There were a few bumps in the road but overall everything turned out fine.

Quinn enjoyed playing with his cousin Alessandro (and sometimes fighting with, too...). Here they are playing in the toy bin.

Everyone arrived Monday afternoon/evening. Tuesday was an eventful day...We took Sebastian to the pediatrician. Turns out he had an ear infection. Pat took Nicole and Nate to the emergency room in the afternoon. Nate's foot was bothering him. Sebastian and Nate were put on antibiotics and were on the mend.

Tuesday night we headed to the county park for the Festival of Lights. It was a 3 mile car-ride with 3 million Christmas lights. It was great and I think both the boys enjoyed the lights. Halfway through there was a carousel. Quinn enjoyed riding on his lion. Wednesday Day--Christmas Eve was spent hanging around the house enjoying the nice weather. We ventured down to the neighborhood park. Playtime at the neighborhood park. The weather was gorgeous. Everyone enjoyed the park and the boys loved the slide.

Christmas morning. Quinn dug into his stocking. Santa left him a new toothbrush, tatoos, and tub crayons. We waited for everyone else to wake up before opening gifts. Quinn enjoyed ripping the wrapping paper. He is opening his gift from Santa--a bubble lawnmower. This was a big hit among the boys. They took turns mowing the grass and it kept them occupied while the adults played a few games of cornhole/baggo and enjoyed a few adult beverages. Nothing like drinking beer, playing cornhole, and enjoying 75 degree weather on Christmas afternoon. Aunt Nicole and Uncle Nate bought Quinn a basketball hoop.

Another big hit with the boys--all the boys--

big and small. Pat is looking forward to playing some ball with Quinn when he gets a little bigger. Christmas dinner was delicious thanks to Pat's cooking skills. We are still learning on how to perfect our Mom's stuffing recipe but it tasted pretty good. Pat's boss, Judson, joined us for dinner. After the kids went to bed, the adults enjoyed some adult beverages and chit chat on the back porch with a few neighbors.

On the last night, the adult boys headed over to the neighbors to play some ping pong. After they returned, we played some wii. Nicole and Nate kicked my butt but I did win one game of bowling!The week went by quick. We enjoyed seeing everyone and we are slowly getting back into the swing of things. Everyone made it home safely.