There’s another present!?  Really!? 

Here are the pictures of our countdown to Christmas events!

Christmas Fire Truck – love the anticipation of hearing it coming down the beach road, then standing on the porch watching while the kids run to get a candy cane.

Levi and his birth-brother, Devin exchange presents Christmas Eve

This picture just captures Christmas for me – these guys were just standing and talking about the tree!

Erin is NOT a fan of Santa

Erin STILL not a fan, she can clearly say “No Santa!”

Pretty soon Trey will be too big for Santa’s lap

Our beautiful tree

He really is happy to see him but too cool to smile

Too cool. but still manages a smile

It’s early Christmas morning.  The house is quiet.  Kids are still sleeping.  I enjoy the calm because I know that in a short time they will be running down the stairs laughing, ripping open packages and oohing and aahing at their new treasures. 
This is a big year, we were blessed to get some amazing big things for free.  Levi won’t believe the beautiful telescope Santa brought and Carlos will finally get the iPod Touch he has had on his list, all because we are surrounded by amazing people. (Trey’s getting a BIG box of Magic cards – but there is no Magic card fairy out there…the UPS lady brought that one).  I feel thankful and blessed.
Last night, after we got everyone tucked into bed, I went around and snapped a photo of each of my babies sleeping.  I can only think of The Night Before Christmas and wonder if they had visions of sugar plums (or the massive amounts of sweets they have consumed over the last few days) dancing in their heads.  I love these guys with all my heart, they are my gift.

Inside Bainbridge just did an article on Carlos!

Let me preface this by saying that I probably shouldn’t post this.  Some may be offended.  I have no clue why Trey wrote this (he’s been good!).  Secondly, we have NEVER called any of our kids a pain in the ass.  We aren’t angels, pretty sure the Christmas lights are a pain in the ass….that may have been said out loud.
Here is the translation of Trey’s letter “Dear Santa, I have been a pain in the ass like a lot!  Do please go you can skip my house.”

Another burst of effort and we have lots of caramels ready to give as thank yous for donations to Carlos’ efforts.  He is only $40 away from an even $1,000 collected.
The donations have ranged from $5 to $150.  I am overwhelmed at the generosity and support you all have shown to Carlos.
For more about where the money is going, check out www.livingoneone.org
If you want to donate, let me know!

 Every morning and every night my tough guy, Carlos, snuggles up with me.  I know this will one day end.  Every night and every morning I look forward to this special time together and wonder if it’s the last time.
After some snuggles, it’s time for a goofy picture with Trey, too (Levi was still snoozing)!

 We were so lucky to be able to go see the dress rehearsal of Elf the Musical at the 5th Avenue yesterday with our friends, the Malloys.  Two mamas and 6 boys makes for quite the adventure in the big city. 
We ate lunch on the boat and made our way up the hills via escalators and elevators, through office buildings and fancy hotels.  Got to the theater and settled in for the play.  It was very clever, they all really enjoyed it.
After the play we walked back through the market  for the mandatory freshly made mini powdered doughnuts and bought some tasty halibut for dinner.  We rode the carousel on the waterfront, took silly pictures at the Crab Pot and caught the ferry home.  Forgot to mention we were in a downpour and got absolutely drenched on the walk back to the boat.  Gotta love Seattle weather!  Didn’t seem to phase the kids one bit, true Northwesterners.
A very fun day with the boys!!!

In case anyone was wondering…YES, you can still donate to Carlos’ Living on One efforts!  He has raised another $40 and is excited to keep raising money to make it possible for other kids to be able to go to school.
He is going to be setting up a little coffee/bake sale stand at the Indie Banditas Bazaar next weekend (for profit) and will have a donation jar there for Living on One.