Christmas 2011

It’s hard to pick just one picture from today but this seemed to be the favorite one. There was one with Josh really enjoying his lava lamp (thank goodness for simple pleasures). There was one with Zac surprised that Santa got him Sky Rim too. But I couldn't resist this one where Hayden is realizing that he's a spoiled boy - must have been good this year. I love that excited face moment. You can tell that Josh is excited to get it open.  Wish I had a picture with all three of them together, but in the hustle and bustle, I guess I never made them stand together. Didn't have a single one.

I'm always nervous it's not going to be special enough and I'm always pleasantly surprise how thankful and excited they are. Thank goodness, Christmas is finally here and it was happy.

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

Helped Jeffrey make all these cinnamon rolls today. Got his hands in the picture - wouldn't let me take his picture. Usually this event would be entitled Cooking with Jeff ~ Cable Style.  But this time it could have been on PBS. It was actually fun. Reminded me of Christmas cooking with my family. Made this year feel more Christmasy. (Apparently that's not really a word - it's underlining it in red ~ LoL)

We made 5 batches for some lucky ones in the family. Let's see there was pistachio cranberry, cinnamon pecan and cranberry pecan. Really truly, Jeff's cinnamon rolls are the BEST!! (member Ratatouille - seriously)

Gingerbread Houses

We made our gingerbread houses today. I love this family tradition. It's so fun to see what designs the kids come up with. Note to self:  Next year make two extra houses. One for me and Berneen. We had just as much fun helping with the designs as the kids did.

Another funny little thing about this year that you can't see in the picture and I want to remember is that each one of them pried the roof back and threw candy inside for later. That just cracked me right up. I think it started with Annie (Annie!! you make me smile :) so smart - really so smart!!)

Nativity in the Glen

Emalee invited us to come to the live nativity in her neighborhood. It's called Nativity in the Glen. They really do a great job with it. I think there is a special spirit there. What a fun tradition. I'm glad we got to go. Thanks Emalee :)

New Advent Blocks

Another early Christmas present from Paula (Gma Quick) for our family. She made us these cute advent calendar blocks. I think people are so clever. Paula is so creative and I love this idea. Mandy gave us a darling sock advent calendar garland that I was planning on filling up but never got around to it and these will work just great for this year. Maybe we'll do both next year. Thank you so much we all love them lots!!

Cute Christmas Toes

Cute Little Christmas Toes

Candy Cane Colors

Cute