Christmas 2010

Christmas at the Burke Moreiras this year was a lot of fun because it was our first Christmas with a baby in the house for nearly two decades.

And Momma was so happy that Troy's first present was...his two bottom teeth! Good job son.

Grammy wanted Troy to open this present first, which he was very happy to do (with a little help from Mom).

(Cute M&M outfit, by the way, also provided by Grammy)

The Alphabet Train! This very advanced toy will keep Troy happy for many years to come while giving him lots of satisfaction and learning along the way. (Right now he is more into banging the blocks around).

"Fascinating" says Troy. "Look at this engineering."

Troy also got lots of clothes and this cute singing bunny from Vanessa.

"That's how I roll."

We were all so spoiled. Cristy got some frames she had been asking for, some clothes, and a massage, among other things.

My sister got a new iPod and a new weird face.

Cool bowling t-shirt Vanessa. You are a way better bowler than I am.

Some more of Troy's clothes...but where is Troy?

Pajamas (for motherly lounging)

Thanks for this cool toy Grammy. Let me show you how it works. I got this.

Next Up: Christmas in CDA

Mid-November to Mid-December 2010

Mid-November through mid-December was a quite time for the Moreiras -- not a lot going on. Troy started crawling around. We had a few work Christmas parties, but not much else. Just lots of friends, family, and pictures!

Thanks for coming to visit me Grammy. This toy you bought is so cool.

What did I miss?

I caught you looking at me!

A couple times a year Jeff and Rachel come into town and visit, and we are always so happy to see them. Jason is getting so big and it was great to share our new treasure with them. Why don't children cooperate?
This is how I stand?
I love my Mama!
This picture should be evidence that Troy looks more like his Mama than his Dada. The smile...the eyes...
"This is how we do meatball subs in our crib" Troy says.
More Grammy! Yes!
The boys watchin' some TV with their remote controllers.

I love you too Abuelo...
...but I love your tie more!
Hey! Where's Ove? How did Rudolph get in here?
Before our Christmas break we wanted to go see Ice! How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which is a depiction of the classic story in a giant tent with ice sculptures. It was awesome.
We had to bundle up because it was only 9 degrees inside.
"He's a mean one....Mr. Grinch..."
Don't Cristy! He's got termites in his smile!
That's what it's all about, isn't it? That's what it's always been *about*. Gifts, gifts... gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts. "I want golf clubs. I want diamonds. I want a pony so I can ride it twice, get bored and sell it to make glue."
All right, you're a reindeer. Here's your motivation: Your name is Rudolph, you're a freak with a red nose, and no one likes you. Then, one day, Santa picks you and you save Christmas. No, forget that part. We'll improvise... just keep it kind of loosey-goosey. You HATE Christmas! You're gonna steal it.
And they'll feast, feast, feast, feast. They'll eat their Who-Pudding and rare Who-Roast Beast. But that's something I just cannot stand in the least. Oh, no. I'M SPEAKING IN RHYME!
Oh, no, the sleigh, the presents, they'll be destroyed! And I care! What is the deaaaal!
The Grinch: Who wants the gizzard? Drew Lou Who: I do. The Grinch: Too late. That'll be mine.
I'm glad he took our presents. You can't hurt Christmas, Mr. Mayor, because it isn't about the... the gifts or the contest or the fancy lights. That's what Cindy's been trying to tell everyone... and me. I don't need anything more for Christmas than this right here: my family.

Next Up: Christmas at the Burke Moreiras