Christmas in Birmingham

Christmas in Birmingham could have been better but not by much.  The only thing missing was Shaw’s family :(  They were in Birmingham for Christmas day, but had to leave on the 26th since Mallory was scheduled for surgery on her arm.  It was a last minute surgery call, so there was no way for us to all alter plans and find a way to be together.  The boys were very confused as to why Madeline and Mallory weren’t at G’s house, but I promised them we would go to Atlanta soon for a full family gathering.  {Watch out Shaw and Heather.  We may show up for Easter!} 

Thankfully Aunt Abbie, Uncle Barry and Jake made the trek back to G and Deeda’s for a belated Christmas with the Gilmer boys, and of course G and Aunt Abbie had a million presents for them to open!  Even though it was technically the 4th time the boys were getting to open Christmas presents with family, you would have thought it had been months since they had received a new toy.  They were beyond excited with everything they opened!       

         

Since we had a few days in Birmingham and the weather was cold and rainy, we headed to the McWayne Center for some indoor fun.  The boys wore their new pullovers from Aunt Heather. Coe quickly proclaimed, “We are soooooo handsome!”

         

I also thought they looked pretty cute heading to the park in their new sweat suits despite the wet hair from the shower! 

Birmingham was a great end to the 2013 Christmas holidays, but I wonder if Coe had a few too many present opening experiences.  The following conversation took place on New Year’s Day.

Coe: we got to hurry and go to bed so Santa can come

Me: baby Santa already came

Coe: yea but I want him to come again

Me: well he won't be back for a year. Christmas is over

Coe (in the most pitiful voice ever): noooooooooo! I want presents!!!!!

Coe didn’t fully grasp the concept of Santa until Christmas morning.  He has been counting down the days until next Christmas since then!  349 days to go…