Uncle Chris!

This is Uncle Chris. We don't get to see him very much because he use to live in Florida but then he moved to California. He is SO much fun and we enjoyed spending the holiday together. We miss you already!

Brian has many other pictures on his computer from our time at camp. Some members of the group spent time ice fishing...those pictures are EPIC...one was even submitted to a magazine called "Cabin Life", who wrote us back and told us they appreciated it and would keep it in their file for an appropriate time to publish! We'll see if we can't get Brian to do a post with some of his pictures as well. We had so much fun at the Lake this Holiday Season. Spending time with Glenn, Lori, Chris and Brad was exceptionally enjoyable. They showered us with love and even more gifts. There is now a sign that hangs in the hallway that reads, "Welcome to Papa and Lala's House. Grandkids loved and spoiled here." Which is true....except we all feel loved and spoiled when we are there.

Christmas 2011

The Stockings....full and awaiting discovery.

Turns out they were discovered at 5:30 am, by wide away children and groggy (but excited) parents.

The tree...post Santa...pre Christmas Morning Frenzy....which began at 6:05 and ended an hour later. Giving the kids 1 hour to play before getting ready for church.

The aftermath....and spoils (of one little boy, who was so cross with us for making him leave all the newly unwrapped toys and go to church that he threw quite the impressive fit....wearing himself out enough to sleep through the whole service. Perhaps the most pleasant Christmas Service we (as parents) have enjoyed in several years. A sleeping child made it possible to listen and enjoy the entire program. So, for that we are grateful.)

Sadly, the camera was forgotten and images of the unwrapping of gifts were missed. However, rest assured that EVERYONE was pleased as can be with the unwrapped packages. Each of the kids got exactly what they asked for from Santa. Which means, Cassidy got her CAT BUS (she was thrilled that is was not just a stuffed cat with 12 pipe cleaner legs, as we had warned her it might be such), Kayla got a fully stocked portable art easel, and Brogan got the red and green play mobile knights that he had fallen in love with. Thank you, Santa! AND, Pippin (our Elf on the Shelf) left the kids a charming little note (complete with tiny handprint) and 3 gold coins. We were sad to see him go, but are excited to know that he is back a the North Pole right now, resting before starting to prepare for next year. We can't wait to see him again in 2012!

After the tree, and church, we packed up the car (much easier to do when you aren't taking all of Christmas with you) and drove up to spend a wonderful week at our Lake House and enjoying the company of family there. We love Christmas for this reason most of all...Time with Family.

Christmas Eve

It is NEVER too late to start a new tradition. And that is what we did this Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve was always a big deal in my family growing up. It still is. But, this is the first year that we, as a small family of 5, stayed in our own home and celebrated. Joining us in this year's festivities was our Family away from Family: The Franklins. We kicked off the evening with a good Ol' Fashioned Taffy Pull.

It was sticky and gooey...and at first not everyone wanted to participate...

But then, they saw how much fun we were having and before too long....

Everyone was in on the taffy pulling fun!

Thank you, Fanklin family, for being part of our family and spending this evening with us.

Of course, the family tradition of Christmas Eve Jammies was not to be forgotten:

Grandma Harmon made these cute little jammies for the kids. How sweet!

And we are certain they contributed to the sweet dreams of the evening.