Twas the night before Christmas

It has been a bit of a struggle for the boys today -- they've both been pretty irritable and fussy. I guess it is the strain of being so good for so long. We got every one washed up, cleaned up and ready for bed and read the flap-book rendition of The Night Before Christmas that Bailey sent to the boys. They both loved it. They liked the bright colors and that they each got to open and close flaps. Then we all laid in bed, playing and guessing what Santa might bring. Allan seemed to really like the game and thinks that he is going to get a guinea pig. I sincerely hope that he is wrong. Both boys thought it was funny to say that they wanted woodburning kits, archery sets and J'arts.
Allan finally succumbed and is nestled all snug in his bed. Griff was asleep, too, but then Dad accidentally woke him up and we were back at square one, pulling out all the stops (including a duet of The 12 Days of Christmas, which I LOATHE). We've explained that Santa doesn't come if you are awake, but, as my father used to say of babies, you just can't reason with them.
We got some good pictures of Allan smiling finally. He usually looks pretty stern in his pictures, but he has quite a smile. It is just that when the camera "red eye" light comes on, he knows that there is going to be a flash and he steels himself for it. Anyway, there are a few good ones of him all lit up.
I imagine that we may take a few pictures tomorrow, too. We'll post as soon as we can.
Merry Christmas!