Christmas came and Christmas went and oh how fun it was!!
There were...
lots and lots of toys
a fat santa
gingerbread houses
cousins
aunties and uncles
tender, quiet, moments
loud, meaningful moments
a trashed-out house
a roast in the oven
more buckeyes
fighting and more fighting between the two bigs
candlelight Christmas Eve at church...
As much as I love the big tree that fills our living room and the baked goods and the stockings hung on the mantle and the crackle of anticipation in the air,
I equally love the crisp plain-ness now that its done and put away.
The house seems bare and simple without the decorations and the people and the noise, but what a great way to move into the new year!
You know I'm never one for few words or few pictures. So here's to 20ish of the best...
Believe it or not, this was the best shot.
"Look Uncle Kyle, I'm your present!"
McCage got to open her first gift ever!
Erin and Jon's wedding is January 7th. What a great guy. He made bread, homemade mac-n-cheese, and a killer salad that day. Plus, he let me kick his butt at Dutch Blitz. He's a keeper!
Friends gave us a basket of smoked cheeses, crackers, and wine.
Life just doesn't get much better than that.
My bliss for 5 lunches straight. Yes, lunch.
Someone in Eva's class gave out reindeer food (oatmeal and sugar sprinkles). She carefully tossed it around the chimney. She's still a believer, and I was keenly aware this year that we're on borrowed time with Santa. Made it all the sweeter.
She also left a note for him on the window, including a very clear mention of his weight. She said he would understand.
And tracked his trip around the world on the web.
Remember Shrink-a-Dinks? Oh how fun!!!
Ryan put his pants on for the pic. :)
Eva raided her room and brought down some of her favorite things to give to Sagee for Christmas. It was true generosity, and such a treat to watch!
Our Shepherd's Meal. Its our tradition on Christmas Eve. We sit on the floor and eat finger foods by candlelight, just as the shepherds might have done the night the angels appeared. Hummus, olives, bread, cheeses, meat, pomegranate, sparkling juice. Its my favorite part of the whole season!
Mom came to the rescue and made sense of the meat for the roast and made the gravy.
Another reading night on the couch. Ahhhhhhhhhh.
Sweet Baby Kai. He's grown into such a little boy now. He never wanted to really play together or talk with me. He's so tender and thoughtful and careful and bright and sweet. But he did let me scoop him up and just hold him near often. LOVE.
Christmas at Mom and Dad's is no longer quiet or calm. Its a mess. And it makes us happy.
Not everybody's uncle can play hand games with them!
And gingerbread houses.
Marcus and Allison gave us their old digital camera. Its in need of repair - to the tune of a few hundred dollars - just what we had saved and been given for a new camera. Love it when things work out like that! So hopefully the pics you see here will greatly improve very soon!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
