Christmas Catch-Up

Trying to catch up before we go on vacation. The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a blur for me. Getting ready for Christmas, shopping, parties, working, getting ready for Stephen's birthday, and celebrating the birth of Christ.

The month began with pulling out all the Christmas outfits. It is so much fun to dress the kids up for the holidays. My mom smocked wonderful outfits for the kids. I still need to get good pictures of them. Here is Stephen dressed up in his outfit. My mom's talent continues to amaze me.

Then the annual Christmas party at Sylvia's. Santa Claus comes to visit every year. Stephen volunteered to be first to sit on Santa's lap. Eleanor volunteered not to go at all. He looked at her and she immediately burst out in tears. At least she looked cute!

Getting ready for Christmas was half the fun this year. Stephen remembered some of the things from last year: the gingerbread house, tree decorating, shopping (the kid is a shopper), and the story of Christ's birth.

  

Tree and cookie decorating

Gingerbread House Making

Our finest Christmas Pajamas

Christmas Eve Love

Putting the toys together.  

Thanks Mom and Dad! We owe you!

dennis and Marjie arrived for the holidays on December 23rd. It was great to have family here to help us celebrate. The celebration lasted the whole week: Stephen's birthday, Christmas, dennis' birthday, and New Years. We did get out on Christmas for a nice sled ride down to the mailbox. It was Eleanor's first sledding ride. She enjoyed it and continues to enjoy going sledding when it is warm enough.

Family photo op

Good morning!  What did Santa bring?

Exploring the stocking

My gingerbread kids!

The aftermath!  Wow!

Little mommy

Little Chef (aka. Sous Chef)

Enjoying a Christmas ride!

I think Grandpa had more fun!

The holiday season was rounded out by the Air Force game. A sad day. It was fun getting all dressed up in our best Falcon gear though!