The LaGreca Family

I didn’t take too many pictures on Christmas morning – only because I wanted to enjoy Nicholas’ face when he opened his gifts (sometimes, I just don’t want to watch all of our memories second hand on the video camera….even though, I love to have them taped so I can see them again, and again).

Below – NCL gets RIGHT into his apple from his stocking.  (One of Joe’s childhood traditions was to get fruit and nuts in his stocking – so we put an apple and an orange in his stocking to carry on the tradition). He was really excited about the apple – as you can see below.

NCL’s gift list included: cars (a lot!), mini-semi-trucks, fire trucks and a fire station, a Tom & Jerry CD, jammies, a shirt, a couple of books, a really cool airplane..and a couple of other things.  Needless to say, he made out!

After the late morning gift opening, it was time to get all the food ready for the big family feast.  NCL was RIGHT in the middle of the cannoli- making group. (More like the “cannoli0-tasting” group).

On the menu for dinner was LASAGNA and salad (and of course other munchies, before and after). And for dessert, the selection included: cookies (at least 5-7 different kinds), donuts, cannoli, nuts, and candy…(that has been the list of desserts every single day….after lunch and dinner….and I am not kidding).

Below: A little after dinner play for the boys – with the new cars.

One of NCL’s favorite evening things to do – get Uncle Chuck on the floor to wrestle! (In NCL’s hand is the plane he got for Christmas – he loves that thing. And yes, it even makes noise).

We had a nice Christmas Day. It was white outside (it didn’t actually snow on Christmas Day, but it was still very pretty).  It was so fun to watch NCL open his gifts..he definitely did a million times better this year.  There is something so fun and special about celebrated Christmas with a little person.  We decided that we really wouldn’t exchange gifts with all the family this year, since we were flying back east – and that was “gift” enough for everyone (no need to spend the extra money….we are all so fortunate with what have, we really didn’t need more ’stuff’).  And, I didn’t miss opening gifts ONE bit.  Watching Nicholas enjoy Christmas morning and gifts was all I could ask for.

I thought it was so fun to do something “different” for Christmas.  I know most people like their traditions and like to do the same thing every year….and I am not knocking family traditions – because I think they are great!  However, it was SO much fun to do something totally different this year.  Coming to the east coast – having a white Christmas.  Going to a different church for Christmas service.  Eating different food on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I thought it was great.  It’s been 6 years since we were in Buffalo for Christmas (we went the year we got married) and I don’t think we will be able to make it back here again for many years — especially since we have Baby LG #2 on the way. BUT – someday, we want to bring the kids back here again for a Christmas.  Another White Christmas