Christmas at our house (and with my mom)

Do you remember, as a kid, the excitement leading up to Christmas? The lights on the houses, seeing your breath in the cold air and going to pick the perfect Christmas tree, the fresh pine smell filling the house? And how about the fun of watching your father (or husband in my case) struggle with the tree stand to get the tree at the perfect angle? Well, we don't have any of that. Nope. We have a fake tree. Although I must admit it's beautiful - 9 feet and pre-lit (yes, the pre-lit part is great) and I can't tell you how many people actually have to touch it to realize it's not real - it's just not the same without the smell of fresh sap in the house.

Here are the boys putting the tree together, literally:




Opening presents from Jan, my cousin out in Massachusetts. Every year she sends a Patriots jersey (or shirt in this case). The kids love them.






One of Brian's gifts from Santa - a gaming chair, with speakers.


Brandon got his ski lift tickets - pretty much the only thing he really wanted this year.


And Brian's only request this year - an XBOX 360 - this one came from mom and dad and grandma and grandpa.



Grandma realized after the picture was taken that she didn't have "her face" on. Who cares, right? And I want to take this opportunity to fill everyone in (so many of you ask) and let you know that she's doing great. She's in a remission and her once-a-month chemo treatment is keeping her going. Given her initial prognosis, we couldn't have asked for anything more.



Grandpa never knows what to expect from us.

Christmas with Nana

On Saturday, half of the Lytle's celebrated Christmas at Nana's house (we were missing Jim, Kathy, Gina and their families). But it was a nice day and the kids had a great time.

I haven't posted in awhile and forgot that they upload backwards, but this is Lucy, Nana's dog, beat after a long day of kids to chase and pats to receive.



Sam checking out his gift from Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary

Why, why, why? Why is it that my boys feel the urge to do this ANYWHERE?




Hannah giving a little pose

Mario watching something on the TV


Nicholas was very taken with Nana's fish and decided they needed to be fed, while no one was watching. Yes, you can guess it. He dumped the entire, full container of fish food into the tank. We all thought it was humorous, except Nana and Lauri. But the boys helped empty the tank and get it all cleaned up, so no harm, no foul.

Casey Visits

Jim stopped by before Christmas and brought Casey with him. She is very cute!! Monty liked her, but after awhile, I think Ginger got tired of having a second female in the house and spoke her mind. And all that got her was being relegated to the backyard until the visit was over.

Snow Day - in the desert??

It snowed at Mike and Lauri's house yesterday and Lauri shared these pictures of the snow they got on their property.



Chester must be loving this weather. He's a wolf-hybrid (although I think he's almost full wolf) and he is hairy! But so sweet!!