Our Wild New Years Night

We decided to let Braden stay up until midnight this year, since we really didn't have any plans for New Years Day. Well, Braden made it until about 11:30pm. He looked at us, said that his stomach hurt and the next thing we knew he was laying on the couch passed out. He tried so hard to stay awake. Dadda kept asking him if he wanted to see the countdown and of course with Braden loving numbers the way he does he said enthusiastically "YES". Travis then thought he would be clever and try to get a picture of our TV and make it look like we were in New York for the New Year. Nice try! From our family to yours . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Exercising with Dadda

Saturday Dadda decided to try out some of the fitness exercises on our new Wii Fit that Santa brought us for Christmas. While he was "working out" Braden decided to join in with him and help him out just a little bit. Dadda will be a real body builder if he keeps this up.

Christmas at the McCarthy household

Christmas Day was packed with excitement, we decided to do Christmas at Nay-Nay and Pop's house on Friday. That afternoon we got in the car and headed down to Nay-Nay and Pop's. Elijah and Ethan were already there waiting very patiently to open gifts. Boy did they ever have fun. Santa brought Wii games for the boys, shoes for Elijah and Ethan, a D.S game for Braden, Ethan got some chunky Leggos and Elijah hit the jackpot with Star Wars Legoos that he had me help him put together. One took so long to assemble that we have yet to finish it. Braden got a Lightening McQueen helmet to wear while he rides his bike. Of course Santa knows Braden all too well and the best gift the kid got from him was a container of Nesquik. Braden unwrapped the paper and all we heard was "Chocolate milk for Braden!!!!!" He was so excited.

Christmas at the Allen household

Christmas Day afternoon we took a drive over to Grandma and Grandpa's house to see what Santa left for the kids there. Abby received TONS of princess things (dolls, clothes, a tent, etc.) and Braden received Lincoln Logs, a Fisher Price addition to his computer, clothes, a Lite Brite, and so much more. The kids had a blast opening gifts. Abby flew through her gifts and was a little upset when she was done and Braden still had 4 left to open. He took forever because he was busy reading the names on everything. Eventually we were all done unwrapping and then it was time for a nap.

Christmas at our house

Christmas morning came before we knew it. Braden was still asleep at 7:30, but Travis and I couldn't stand it anymore. We went upstairs, woke him up, and walked with him into the living room. He was a little puzzled when he saw the tree with all the gifts, but within 5 minutes he figured out what was going on and woke up. He made sure all the presents were for him and started digging in. Then he saw his big boy bike that Santa brought for him and right behind that was his scooter.
Braden really hit the jackpot when he saw the Wii Fit Dadda got us and his brand new computer that he asked Santa for. He was so happy.

Santa Breakfast at church

At the beginning of December Santa made a stop at All Saints church here in Knoxville to visit with the kids and pose for some pictures. Nay-Nay and Pop brought Elijah and Ethan with them, but Elijah didn't feel like visiting with Santa that day. Here are some pictures. Braden loved having his picture taken with Santa that we had to do different shots. It was a day of smiles and laughs.

Braden's Letter to Santa

This afternoon while Dadda was at work I helped Braden write his letter to Santa. I know we are a little late, but I figured we could leave the letter with the cookies tonight. Check out what he wants. Braden of course wants all video game stuff, but I don't get the cheeseburger.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!