Looking Forward to Christmas (Already!)

I know it's only August, but I have to tell you that I can hardly wait for Christmas this year.  We are going to have all five of our sons, their four wives, and all four of our grandchildren (one who isn't born yet, but will be making his appearance in October) here with us.  I can hardly contain my excitement about this.  I wasn't even sure we would ever be able to get the whole gang together at Christmas, now that three (soon-to-be four) are married and they have to split their time between us and their in-laws.  It seems like a miracle to me, and I am on Cloud 9 about it!

Apparently, our #1 son and his wife Regina have informed their little girls that they are spending Christmas at Papa and Grammy's house this year.  During a recent Skype session, Cutie Pie (one of the three-year-old twins) got very excited and said, "Grammy, we're coming to your house for Christmas today!"  (My daughter-in-law said, "I guess we shouldn't have told them about it so early--they think it's happening NOW."  But all I can say to that is, "I WISH!")

Our three granddaughters have never been to our house, the house in which their dad grew up.  We usually travel to see them wherever they are (and they've been in WI, NY, AL, CO, and MI--so far!); it's easier for us than it is for them, because we have those airline employee passes for flights.  And also because, well...twins.  And now twins plus an 18-month-old little sister.  And all the accoutrement, if you will, that is required for traveling with wee ones.  They've stayed at Papa's boyhood home in Upstate NY, once for Christmas and once for son #4's wedding, but they've never traveled to NH.

I have told our kids that they need bring NOTHING with them, except their adorable selves.  We will provide the diapers, the baby food, the Pack 'n Plays, the baby gates, the electrical outlet covers, and what-have-you--and even a goodly supply of toys and books (since I'm an extreme pack-rat when it comes to nostalgic items, and I've kept EVERYTHING that our boys ever had).  They just need to bring themselves.  And those grandchildren, of course!

Yesterday when I was shopping at Wal-Mart, I saw something I simply had to have.  (Yes, I shop at Wal-Mart, and I'm not ashamed of it.)  I thought it might come in handy for my little newbie potty-goers--who happen to be huge fans of ladybugs.

Grammy's ready for you, gang.  She's even got a potty chair all ready to use.  Not to mention friendly little woodland creatures lurking about in the most unexpected places (and I hope they'll be a big hit with the little ones!).

Christmas can't come soon enough!