Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

 Christmas Eve morning we went to decorate, read the Christmas Story to "Nathan", cry, and pray.  Jacen still doesn't understand what is going on, so he was excited to run around, stayed with us a for a bit for me to read, and then was ready to return to the warm car.  For those you who have not seen the tombstone before, Nathan's part is in the middle.  We chose to buy 3 plots and surround Nathan when we pass. 

Daddy and Jacen telling Nathan that they love him.

Before bed, we took some pics.

Getting the cookies that we baked earlier and milk ready for Santa!!!

The view of our house Christmas morning on the way to church!!!

After church, we opened presents.  Jacen with his Mater and candy from Santa!!

Jacen helping Patches with his stocking :)

Jacen opening his presents (broom, mop, dustpan, vacuum, and writing table/easel).  He loves them all!!!!

Jacen giving Mommy and Daddy presents from him!!!!

Christmas night we all loaded up in the car even Patches to go look at Christmas lights :)

All in all, we had a good weekend just the three of us.  It was definitely bittersweet because it was not the same without Nathan.  Kyle and I had our happy and sad moments but we appreciate all the prayers that helped us get through the first Christmas without our precious Nathan.

Playing and Early Christmas Presents

Jacen got some cool toys from Grayson and Grant as they cleaned out their rooms. He is really enjoying them!!!!

Grandpa and MiMi got him a marble race track. He loves it!!!

Sherri, our wonderful cleaning lady, got Jacen two puppy dogs. He pulled them out of the bag and kissed them. Then the rest of the evening he said "Sherri gave me puppies". He won't sleep without them now!!!!

Laura got him a cool train book. For the first time, he is actually interested in tearing the wrapping paper!!! He enjoys pushing the buttons!!

Hailey watched Jacen Friday morning for me. She got him a cool batman and batmobile.


 

 Grandpa and MiMi sent him a Stormtrooper helmet in the mail :)

On the First Day of Christmas Vacation......We went to Science Spectrum with Briley, Avery, and Elizabeth!!!!

We went to Science Spectrum on Wednesday with the Davis family. The boys had a great time in the newly remodeled Children's Area. I took over 60 pics, but I narrowed it down for this blog post.

Jacen had to make a trip to the sand table of course.

Kids Area

The water table is back!!! The boys spent the majority of their time there!!!

A pic of all 3 boys. Avery is behind the tall water thing. Briley and Jacen are right next to each other. (And some random kid on the left :)

They all enjoyed shopping in the grocery area!!!

The newly remodeled news anchor desk. He is pointing at the TV in front of him because he could see himself on TV. They could even pick whether they wanted to report on sports, news, or weather. It was cool!!!!

Avery reporting the news!!!!

Veterinarian Office

The boys loved this area too!!!

All very busy working on their dogs!!!!

I couldn't get any group shots to work :(

We found the Vet white coats after all the above pics.

Air Station

The boys were fascinated!!!

Briley and Jacen working together!

Music Area

Jacen and Avery

Our last stop was upstairs to the airplane cockpit!!!

Jacen's Preschool Christmas Parties and More Tree Decorating

Since Jacen is at two preschools he had two class parties!!!  

His teacher at The Sandbox decorated their shirts with reindeer for their Christmas Musical.  I tried and tried to get a good picture of his shirt before he left that morning :(

Daddy was able to take off work and attend.  Jacen was so excited to see Daddy.  Here is his goofy grin that he gives now :)

Jacen didn't really like performing as you will notice by the pictures below.  Yes Jacen (who never puts things in his mouth) was trying to eat his glow stick and jingle bells.

In this pic, he is the one bent over on the front row. 

Jacen at the Sugar n Spice party.  Again he has the goofy smile going on. 

We got some more decorations for the Christmas tree.  We get the boys a new ornament every year, but this year was a little bit different.  We couldn't get Nathan the same ornament as Jacen.  So we found a person on Etsy who makes ornaments.  We ordered the one below.

The sweet Day family got us a "N" ornament in memory of Nathan.  They have been a precious and supportive family during this time.  Thank you!

Jacen and Daddy hanging the new ornaments. 

Nathan's ornaments (plus some extras)

Jacen's ornaments (plus some extras)