Christmas 2011

Christmas Eve is possibly my favorite day of the year, or should I say my favorite night of the year. This Christmas Eve was no exception.
At the last minute we decided to get together with Matt and Mandy at their house for dinner. We thought we should do something so the kids didn't spontaneously combust with anticipation. The Howland's are practically family anyway, and isn't that what it's all about during the Holidays? It was a great night. In fact we were all having so much fun that we stayed over there until way past the kids bedtime. They were half asleep by the time we got home. We barely got through baths. Carter didn't even want to help me put treats out for Santa (he was adamant that something get put out, he just didn't care to help). He and Kyle did manage to muster just enough energy to sprinkle their reindeer food on the lawn before jumping into bed. I didn't even get a chance to get a Christmas Eve photo of them.

Here are the stockings and tree ready for Santa to stop by and leave goodies.

Of course he will be hungry when he arrives.

After the kids went to sleep (in about 5 seconds flat), and everything was ready for Christmas morning, Gregg and I watched Christmas Vacation together. Then Gregg went off to bed and I sat up for a few minutes. My favorite thing to do is to sit by the tree with nothing on but its soft white lights. Peaceful and serene. I sat up for a few minutes thinking about all of the things we have been blessed with. Then I joined Gregg in bed and quickly went to sleep because I knew it was just a matter of hours before my kiddos would be up.

Here are the groggy boys on Christmas morning, admiring the train set Santa left for them.

Then taring into their stocking.

Our "Chocolate Monster" would have eaten all of his candy before we even started opening presents if I hadn't confiscated it.

Cammie finally woke up about half way through the present opening. She immediately put on her new jewelry and started taking care of the baby Santa left for her. She is such a girl!

I was having too much fun participating in the Christmas activities this year. I didn't get a lot of pictures, but this is how most of the morning looked.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing. We had wonderful, warm, sunny, southern California weather so we spent some time outside. Later we had a nice dinner together. It was perfect!

We hope that everyone had as nice a holiday as we did.

Christmas Tree Recipe

The Blaufuss Christmas Tree Recipe:

Start with your favorite Christmas tree lot.

Add several of your favorite munchkins.

Mix in a teaspoon of cute.
Decide on the perfect tree,
take home and add water.

Next add lights and ornaments,

Blend until thoroughly mixed.

Top with your favorite tree topper, perhaps a pretty little angel.

Finally; stir in 1 cup of love.

Stand back and admire your handy work.

(Que the Hallelujah Chorus here)

Makes enough to serve one household plenty of holiday cheer for up to 4 weeks.

Family Pictures Times Two

In October it was once again, time for a family picture to be taken. Every fall I insist on getting a shot of the family for our Christmas Card. Most years it's taken on Thanksgiving, mostly because there are another members of the family around to take the picture.
When we took the kids to the pumpkin patch this year there was a photographer there offering a special photo package. She would take a some shots of the family out at the pumpkin patch, and email the best five to me, no rights reserved, for a very reasonable price.
Of course that day we all looked pretty ragged, so we set up a time to come back and meet with her. She was great. Here are the best three.

A month later we went to Oregon for Thanksgiving with Gregg's side of the family. Kathy wanted a family picture with everyone, and one with her and all of her grand kids, so she set up a photo session for all of us. We also got shots of each individual family as well as some of each of the couples. They turned out pretty great. Here are some of the best ones.

The whole Blaufuss Crew

Grandma B and all of the grand kids

The three brothers and each of their families

Our Family (obviously)

My love and I

My kids were very cooperative, even if they didn't feel like smiling. Gregg did pretty well too. Until next fall.