Happy Holidays!

Yes, that's right. I'm FINALLY getting up our Christmas post. Why is it that the holidays never feel much like a "holiday?" Where's the rest? Where's the relaxation that's implied in such a word? I don't know about you guys, but I'm STILL tired! The house finally looks like a house again, and not some dumping ground for boxes, instruction manuals and random batteries. And our sweets are nearly gone. But this Christmas, no matter how hectic it was, will always be special. This was indeed a Christmas of firsts for us. For example, it was:

1. Sophie's first Christmas EVER!

2. our niece, Clara's, first Christmas EVER!

3. my complete family's first Christmas together.

4. the first year Aidan REALLY understood the concept of Santa, presents, and became genuinely excited on Christmas morning.


If you could bottle moments in time and keep them forever, this Christmas would definitely go on my shelf. Here are some pictures from the day. Hope everyone's new year is safe and happy!


Sophie enjoys her new shape sorting blocks and the "My Little Pony" Santa left in her stocking.

Ace sat on a bow and it stuck to his little tushie! I couldn't resist--I had to have a picture!! This one comes out when he brings his first girlfriend home....

A Christmas kiss for baby "Care-la."

Babies' first Christmas, Clara and Sophie.

A Visit With Saint Nick

This year marked a very important milestone for us. This was the first year that we took our children, our entire little family, to see Santa Claus at Bywaters Park. It was so completely sweet and perfect....I can't think of a better way to put it. Aidan was totally awestruck and managed to find the courage to tell Santa he was hoping for a train set. And Sophie....well, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Santa's Comin' to Town!

Last weekend Larr put on his very skankiest clothes and braved the attic to bring our MANY boxes of Christmas decor out of hibernation. We spent the entire day Saturday taking down, putting up, and just plain ol' deckin' those halls! Ace was a huge help this year. He found the branches for me as I put the tree together, put several of the ornaments on, and was on bulb-burn out duty for his dad who was working on the outside lights. Sophie's efforts, however, left something to be desired. Let's just say that I'll be needing several new strands of garland next year and leave it at that. Here are some pictures from the day. Ho, Ho, Ho everyone!

This is our gingerbread village. I started collecting them a couple of years ago; I get a new piece or two every Christmas!

Sophie hangs her "Baby's First Christmas" ornament. It's so weird that she's nearly a year old, but this will be her first Christmas!