Out with the Old and In with the New

The kids got so much stuff for Christmas that I knew it was time to clean out their toys and get rid of some things. I'd planned on doing that one day this week when I sent the kids to daycare, but when I woke up yesterday morning and looked around, I changed my mind! Our house was a complete disaster with bags, boxes, toys, and presents everywhere! I started opening every toy so that Brian could get all of the trash out front. Then, I just started cleaning everything out and reorganizing. We ended up getting rid of three trash bags and a box of toys to donate. It feels so good to have control of our house again! Our Christmas decorations are still up, but I'll tackle that another day. Besides the toys, I hung up some pictures of Gavin in our kitchen using the new frames my parents got me and Brian went to Walmart to get a new wii game. Even though I'm happy I cleaned out all of the toys, I know that Gavin's birthday is about a month away and we will be getting more stuff. Hopefully, he will get clothes instead of toys!

Macie was "trying to help" Daddy put a new toy together
Gavin was all smiles with his new toys! He now has LOTS of cars!

New alphabet mat

Toys to donate

Boyles Christmas

After my parents' house, we went to my aunt and uncle's house to celebrate Christmas with my dad's side of the family. This was the most hectic and stressful of all of the places for me. Gavin was SO tired, but he wouldn't nap. Even though he was still very good, he wanted to be held more and kept rubbing his eyes. Macie had a diva meltdown moment during gifts. I think there were just too many people in her face and she freaked! I grabbed her up, took her in the other room, and had a talk with her. I told her that she wasn't being very nice to Grandma who brought her a present and that if she wanted to stay, she needed to be nice. Once she stopped crying, she told me she was upset because "Mommy Daddy opened my present" (we were trying to help her). She calmed down, told Grandma sorry, and opened all of her presents no problem. It had just been too many long days I think! Brian and I got Hacienda gift cards from Grams B. and I ended up with an Olive Garden gift card in our gift exchange. Brian got some whiskey which he was happy about. I love visiting with my family, but by 8:00 I was beyond ready to go home!
Overall, the Mitchell family had a wonderful Christmas! We are very blessed! Brian and I have lots of gift cards that we get to spend and our kiddos have enough toys for a daycare center! Gavin's first Christmas was long, but I couldn't ask for a better baby! I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

The kid table...Macie was thrilled to get to eat with Kaylee!
Kaylee helped Gavin drink his bottle

Macie was excited about her new tea set!

Lots of food to put in her new shopping cart!

Christmas with My Family

We got to my parents' house a little after 10. We opened presents first and once again our family was spoiled rotten! Macie was a bit of a stink and overwhelmed but everything worked out. The kids got too many gifts to mention them all, but some favorites were Macie's shopping cart and sit n' spin and Gavin's ball popper and flannel shirt. We had a great time opening gifts and then we ate lunch. Mom made some chicken soup and Brian baked bread. It was a nice, comforting lunch! After lunch, Macie and Gavin napped while we all hung out until it was time to go to my Dad's side. I'm so glad that we were able to all be together and relax for a bit instead of having to rush off to the next place!

Grandpa got another money clip to add to his collection

Macie's new slippers

Grandpa bought Gavin his first flannel shirt..too cute!!!

Macie got a Dora microphone. She had to sing us a song. Brian and I also had fun with the microphone!

Check out the crayon's in Macie's pocket...she didn't want to put them down!

Pushing her new shopping cart and wearing one of her new aprons

"Hostess in training"

There are always plenty of laughs when Aunt Allie is around

Even Keena (Annie's Great Dane) got Christmas treats!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning, both kiddos woke up bright and early ready to go! Macie was feeling much better and couldn't wait to see what Santa brought her! She was so excited that Santa ate the cookies and drank the milk! We made her wait to open presents until after breakfast. I have to say that she did a great job waiting! She passed the time coloring at the kitchen table. Brian made a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage (turkey and deer), and biscuits. Before we left the table, Brian read the Christmas story from the Bible. Then, it was present time! Once again, Macie took forever and was overwhelmed. We had to help her quite a bit. Macie got to open her presents from the night before. Mommy and Daddy got Macie and Gavin a cinch sac with their names on it. Macie and Gavin got each other two Mickey/Minnie board books. Santa brought Macie an Elmo doodle pad, play dough ice cream set, and two Dora dvds. He brought Gavin an Elmo doodle pad, stacking robot, and two dvds (Little Bear and Happy Feet). He also brought them foam alphabet letters that make a mat on the floor. Macie and Gavin got Mommy and Daddy each a new pair of shoes. Santa brought us a gps. Brian's been wanting one forever and we figured it would come in a handy when we traveled to Florida! After presents, we relaxed in our pjs and played for a while until it was time to get ready to go to my parents' house.

When Brian was looking for the story, Macie laid her head down on his arm. It was so sweet!

Look at Macie's arm...she's trying to sneak a present!

Books from Macie

Opening her "moonies"