The First No-L

While we were away in NYC, Mamaw & Papaw Ginder kept the boys overnight both Friday and Saturday nights. This was the first time the kids were in bunk beds, and they said they did really well! We went to pick them up Sunday morning after sleeping in (the first time in years!), and Joshua showed us his new bulldozer that they had bought him. He said "I'm gonna put dirt in your underwea' with my bulldoza'" and we all giggled. We also heard how Caleb said "Winner winner, chicken dinner!" when Mamaw finally buckled his car seat correctly. We were glad they all had a fun time together!

Originally, we thought we'd be hanging out with them for the day on Sunday since we won't get to see them over the holidays, but they had made other plans. So, we came home and we all took naps that afternoon. We were so tired! Then we ate at Joshua's favorite pizza restaurant since neither Shawn nor I felt like cooking. That night, Joshua - who had started coughing over the weekend - told us around 7 pm that he was very tired and wanted to go to bed. We changed him in PJs and suggested we watch a little TV to unwind, but he cried and cried that he was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. We were torn, knowing that Mamaw & Papaw had said they were stopping in later. We tried to keep him awake, and luckily the Ginders called not too long thereafter and said they were on their way. Joshua got a second wind, and all's well that ends well.

Mamaw & Papaw came bearing gifts for us all. The boys had fun opening their presents. I think Joshua's favorite was his Toy Story Dominoes and Caleb's was definitely his little light-up snow globe.

My favorite gifts from them included a couple maternity shirts (thanks so much!) and, of course, the fact that they took care of the boys all weekend for us so we could enjoy NYC. Shawn & I were both extremely grateful that they were willing and able, and we knew the boys would enjoy their time while we were away.

 We also gave them their gifts from us, and we visited with them a little while longer. They showed us pictures of their renovated kitchen from their laptop, and both boys tried to climb on Papaw's lap to see his 'puter. You'll see the picture below of that funny scene!

Before long, it was time to put the boys to bed and since they were leaving to head back to Florida before the crack of dawn in the morning, they also wanted to turn in early.

And thus ended our first family holiday gathering of the season!