Joy to the World!

We survived another Christmas morning and even made it to mass in time to sit on the front row. May each of you have a very blessed day!



Adios!

Adios "Max!" Have fun back at the North Pole. See you next year!

Soot

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.


Our story...

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house.

Are you ready?

Are YOU ready for tomorrow?

We have decorated our fair share of wooden ornaments with colors and glitter to hang on the tree. The "requested" oatmeal cookies have just exited the oven for Mr. Claus' quick visit tonight. We have our final Christmas party in 2 hours. And last but not least, our magnet manger scene is constantly played with, reminding us the real meaning of this season.

For now I must charge the camera's battery, pack our bags so we can share this time with family, and try to get an hour or 2 of rest on this exciting eve. Until our bed head photos are posted...Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!




Save it for a rainy day

Ever since Grandma left us her pasta maker, the kids have been begging me to use it. I decided today was the day. I kneaded, and kneaded, and kneaded, and kneaded until we were ready to roll (literally). By this time the kids were outside playing with the neighbors and too involved to come in and make pasta.

After a few rounds of flatting, they came in for 5 minutes and then returned outside leaving me alone to finish the noodles. Lunch was delicious and the noodle bowl was empty so I guess it was worth it. Next time I will leave it up to Grandma or save it for a rainy day!





Good bye Autumn...

...we are ready for winter!




The REAL Santa

"Which is the REAL Santa?" is always a discussion this time of year. We explain one can tell the REAL one by his beard. All others are his helpers. We were lucky enough to visit the REAL Santa in Rovaniemi, Finland in 2007. Through these different websites, the boys can remember him and he remembers them!

Watch Santa Live!

Santa sends your child a message!

Enjoy these last few days of preparation.

4 years now!

Thanks goodness for a gorgeous afternoon! Decorating gingerbread houses is so much easier outside. Ms. Pink had fun at her first go, eating more than she used. The boys are really getting good at this. Other than a visit from a bee or two feasting on all the sugar, we all had a blast!

The first 3 years:
2008
2007
2006







Santa's Lap...Take 2!

At this point the boys think Santa brings EVERYTHING they ask for and Ms. Pink still doubts the jolly old man. 13 days and counting...



Breakfast with Santa

We woke up early for a Saturday morning to surprise the kids with a Santa breakfast. After a visit during our meal, the kids were busy with arts and crafts, a candy cane hunt, face (and arm) painting, letters to Santa, a balloon artist, and coloring.







Christmas Eggs

Yes, it is our week to contribute 3 dozen eggs to Mobile Loaves & Fishes!



Zilker Lights

Funnel cakes, corn dogs, kettle corn...OH MY! We went to the Zilker Annual Tree Lighting last night, an Austin must during the holidays. Grab a partner and spin under the 3,309 Christmas lights. It was just as fun as I remember from 20+ years ago and the kids enjoyed it even more!

Ms. Pink and I even made the news.






Santa's Lap...Take 1!

The boys sure have grown up a lot the past year, but Ms. Pink has not changed a bit.