The McMahon Family

One of my favorite presents of the year.

Patrick's present to us.

We actually laughed so hard when we opened it that we offended him.  I feel horrible that he was sad, but it just tickled me so much.  I think I used the word oxymoron. 🙂

We’ve been enjoying some of our presents.  I updated, I mean created, the December photo album on Picasa.  So check it out and see our great fun these days.  Today, we played in the snow, made crayons and played with boxes…

Another great Christmas was had by all the McMahons.  I have to admit to getting what I really wanted this year and successfully (I think) getting Shannon presents he actually wanted and enjoys.  That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it is a huge feat!

Opening their joint present: crayon maker!

The forced pose before tearing in.

Mr. Smarty pants opening the one "I already know what it is!"...

"You lied, Mom! It IS the semi!"

I think I may like the Angry Birds more than the kids...

I don't think he was disappointed. 🙂

Grandpa Neukomm came by to deliver more presents hang out for a little bit, which I apparently took only one picture of…and not of a person.

Wait! I found another shot!

Then I couldn’t find my camera at mom’s house (turns out Mac was sitting on it!) so I just got a few shots of the kids playing with the presents once they were opened.  I’m counting on Shannon and Nicki to have taken great shots for me.  But both were great times with grandparents and kids.  Neither were disappointed. 🙂

Very cool Hex bug habitats

The newest couple: Nate and Jessie with their horse Bullseye

This year, the Rapp-McMahon family Christmas hosting responsibilities fell on my shoulders.  So…for dinner…(Letitia, close your ears, eyes, whatever.  Just don’t read this next part) we went out! No way I could organize Christmas dinner…:)  Then back to our place for more merriment.

Really cool vehicle sets from Grandpa Rapp...and color coded to boot!

And presents from California!

Transformers are always a hit.

Even Grandpa was surprised with his 'mondo' ladder from Grandma. 🙂

Playing with the wonderfully fun toys.

Thank you California McMahons for the wonderful gifts! 🙂

As always check out my bazillion pics for the rest of the story.

This year, we found a couple of new traditions for Christmas Eve!  We decided to go to the Peoria Vineyard Christmas Eve service.  It was so worth the drive over just to experience not only my favorite pastor’s traditional telling of the Christmas story, but also a candle lit service again (the boys LOVED getting to hold a lit candle!).  I miss those at our church!  We also got to visit with so many friends who moved with the church plant and then dinner with the Mosers (at Avanti’s!!).  Following dinner, we went to the East Peoria Festival of Lights.  It was great. So cool to see all the lights and despite asking to leave about halfway through, the boys really enjoyed seeing the different light creations and still enjoyed the rest of the tour.  It was the perfect way for us to spend Christmas Eve.

Yay Ben! 🙂

For Shannon: Starship Enterprise

For me

Both boys enjoyed the dinosaurs

Go Navy!

And both boys enjoyed the vehicles

See the complete tour if you want.

Hanging out in the living room is becoming torturous for the boys, but they’re doing well.

They wanted Santa hats, so while at my favorite store tonight, I found some.
$1 = two happy boys. 🙂