What a wonderful Christmas time we had this year! There is much saddness and pain around the world, but we were blessed with a sunny, warm holiday season full of joy for our household. I made and canned applesauce this year for the annual holiday bake sale at the boys' school. It turned out pretty cute and, more importantly, it sold out!
There's Buzz looking grumpy on his knees in the front row. My friend didn't even bring her two year old and I was a bit peeved that I hadn't thought of that solution myself. He certainly doesn't want to be there. But just look at that cute sweater! (Thanks, Susan.)
Still upset...
He's feeling better with his Christmas tree on.
Here's Matthew (bottom left) dressed as a sheppard. They reenacted the nativity prior to the singing of "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth". I love this time of year with it's weird religious and pagan mixes. All members of the crowd were pleased.
I made the mistake of purchasing a gingerbread house again this year. Obviously, I didn't get enough nagging-for-candy from Halloween and I subconsciously yearned for more. The houses were made with lots of "don't eat that"s and "get that out of your mouth"s.
At one point the children got up from bed to sneak some candy, so at that point we put it up high where it couldn't be eaten - or enjoyed. Genius.
Here we all are after the big dinner. It was Cora's birthday, too, so we had an awesome cake and sang Happy Birthday. Then it was on to early present opening.
Christmas morning the children slept in well passed their normal wake-up time. I think Jeff scared them with some ideas when he put them to sleep the night before. All the grown ups were in the living room waiting with coffee in hand and well into conversation before the little ones made an entrance!
This year the boys got some very special handmade gifts. First, their grandmother sent them hand-sewn pajamas and fleece blankets. They've used the blankets, but it hasn't gotten cold enough here at night to use the jammies yet. Then, they received handmade pencil boxes from Grandpa. Each has their name on it and was full of goodies.
Finally, our Uncle Denis made some beautiful steps stools for the boys. Buzz spent the morning pushing his around the house and using it to climb up to places he couldn't reach before. Then Matthew had the idea to use the colors from Grandpa to "paint" his stools. So now they've truly made them their own. Thanks, everyone!
Matthew got a new bike for Christmas and he rode around the block in his jammies. He's a natural and hasn't gotten off the bike since except to eat and sleep. Merry Christmas, Y'all!
