Christmas 2009

Is it really over already? How can 2 weeks go by so fast? As Monday quickly approaches I thought I better try to at least post some Christmas pics before I lost my ambition. Enjoy!

Christmas Eve was spent in Madison and we were lucky to get a visit with Shannon, Bruce and Liam on their way up to Green Bay. The kids exchanged gifts that night before they headed north to see my parents and we stayed here to hang back and enjoy Christmas as a family.

This is my favorite pic of the hundreds we took. Shannon was reading Liam's new book that we gave him for Christmas whose main character is a sweet little boy named Liam. This was his expression when he heard his name. Pure joy and utterly priceless!!!!

Closely matched by the excitement of having an ant farm this summer!

Santa had specifically asked for chocolate chip cookies (really Santa?) and since they usually don't fall within our Christmas repertoire we convinced them that peanut butter kiss cookies have the worlds largest chocolate chip in the middle. It worked. Above are their pictures and letters they wrote for Santa's stop at our house. I was quite impressed with Henry's deer since most of his artwork is quite avant garde and not usually easily deciferable.

Jay and kids reading the note Santa left for them as they stared at their gifts under the tree. Henry got his wish and now owns two hockey sticks (one to share of course) and a hockey puck and since Bryn didn't ask for anything Santa surprised her with a wooden ironing board and iron among other things.

Then on to my parents to hang out with Shannon and family.

Tinkertoy microphones was all they needed for their impromptu Christmas concert.

Trying out their new snowshoes! There was no learning curve whatsoever. As soon as they were strapped in they literally took off running! My dad kept saying how happy it made him to see not only his daughters, but also his grandchildren enjoy a sport he loves so much! We took many hikes in the woods.

My mom's 65th birthday would not be complete without sledding with the 3 grandchildren!

We then left for the cabin to see Jay's parents, Jen, Shawn, Mia and Allison and the entire Becker clan. We indulged in scrumptious meals and drinks and enjoyed hanging out on the lake with everyone.

Henry and his hockey stick. Henry quickly learned some moves playing with "Uncle" Andy, and was "shooting goalies" with anyone who wanted in. He figured out fast that it's much easier playing in boots than his hockey skates and was scooting all over the place.

Bryn and Mia being silly. Henry and Bryn love to watch Ally and Mia and comment on everything they do. Not sure the girls want another set of parents only 2 years older than them....

Snuggling up with grandpa and a Winnie the Pooh book.

Mike pulling Bryn and Emma on the ice! We also went sledding onto the frozen lake, ice fished and shoveled a huge rink for skating. The temps were in the single digits but once we were all properly bundled it didn't matter one bit! The camp fire on the dock helped too.

Grandma and grandkids playing "Simon Says". Each correct question moved them up a step and based on all the giggling it was a hit.

Best of all was just being able to spend so much time with the four of us together.

Hope yours was a blast too!