‘Tis the Season to be Jolly, fa-la-la-la-la-la

Christmas was wonderful this year.  Besides being spoiled, we had a wonderful time with the family.  We ate way too many sweets which spanned over 3 days of parties and at least 3 pounds on the scale.  First we had a nice time at my aunt Jodi’s house where we were treated to some heavenly Hungarian goulash.  The party and the goulash have become an annual tradition which, besides the goulash, includes a gift exchange and a reenactment of the night of Jesus’ birth with all of the kids dressed up in their parts.  The baby girls were supposed to be the sheep but they did stray.  The next night, Christmas Eve, was a night of chili, not a traditional meal for this night, but very tasty.  Christmas night, we had Erin and her clan of cutenesses over for one more dinner which Chris made most of since I was sick all day and couldn’t help at all.  It has been revealed that he can cook quite well, uh-oh for him.  I always knew he was a pro at Ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese, but I’ve learned he can also make rolls and tend a ham in the oven.

Bill and Dantzel sampling the punch.  Perhaps spiking it with silly juice or Poly-juice potion.  No wonder I left the party looking like a tired old dog, or maybe I just felt that tired. 

Max, Grandpa Poet’s dog.  Poor guy is getting pretty old but is still so gentle around kids.

Does chopsticks ever get old?  Uh…well, yes.  Yes, it does.

Gavin and Vanny, who is expecting in February.  A girl!  I love shopping for girls.

My mom brought her musical pipes for “dinging” to Christmas songs.  Very pretty and fun for all.

This is how you stretch your back in their country, or planet maybe.

Dave, Britton, and my dad.

Tessa without her husband Jeff who couldn’t get off work until Christmas Eve.

Joseph and Mary

One of the wise women

The angel Brooklyn with her purple halo.

Mom and dad, aren’t they the cutest, most adorable, best parents ever?!  We all love you so much!

Vanny’s quilt, my gift to her for the gift exchange.  I must say, I’m rather proud of how well it turned out.  Staying up to 3 am to finish a quilt does not very straight lines make.

 

Christmas Morning!!!

Miriam and Elizabeth’s 2nd Christmas!

Stollers!!!!  The absolute favorite gift of the day.

 

Reed came to our room at 6 am wondering when we could all get up for Christmas.  I said not until 8:00 am.  I told him to lie down and go back to sleep.  Of course, he couldn’t and while I slept once more he crept outside in only his robe, pjs and socks, to seek out sleigh tracks.  He locked himself out and I had to go answer the door with the the thought, “who in the heck is calling at this hour and this day?”

Miriam and Elizabeth both got large stuffed animals, an elephant and a monkey.  Oh, how they love to hug them!

We loved having grandma and grandpa with us for Christmas!

Finally, they came up with a book to answer some of Douglas’ many questions!

Even poor Isaac was sick for Christmas he still said it was the best one ever.

Socks?  Well, at least it’s not underwear and my toes have been sticking out of the many holes of my old socks.