Christmas 2010

This year we had Christmas at our house. We didn't travel anywhere else. We just stayed home. It felt lazy and wonderful. We certainly love family and felt torn about not being with them, but have come to the conclusion that this year, home is the place to be.



Here is our steady tree--12 years and going. I love fake trees! No watering, no falling needles, no stringing lights, no dragging the prickly thing out the door and hauling to a dump. Ahhh! Fake trees. If I want the fresh tree scent, I'll burn a candle.




Jon worked for 45 min. on Christmas Eve, putting together our GeoTrax around the tree. It was wonderful in the morning when Shakespeare and Popcorn came down first and hand something to play with while they waited on the rest.




And the rest did come (except Sarah. She didn't wake until 12:20--I kid you not. It was wonderful). Here's a grateful hug after opening a present.




This little guy was a perfect Christmas child. He got so excited about each gift and as he opened it that his feet moved constantly. He was adorable!




Here he is with his Diego Wii game. He's been asking for it for months.




Here are the big boys opening their suction dart crossbows. Big hit.




And the big present went to Sinatra! He was speechless--and embarrassed at the attention--and adorable--and in awe--and just adorable.




Here is Gem receiving the only Christmas gift that she didn't already know about. She went shopping with me on Black Friday and knew most of what was under the tree for her. This was a good surprise though. Daddy hits a home run with the Webkinz stash. He found them at Cracker Barrel for 50% off early in December.




Yesterday afternoon we went to our friends' house where they laid a feast before us. It was great food and wonderful friends and even made-to-order snow. A white Christmas indeed! We got about 6 inches!




I love the way these trees bend under the snow and look like they belong in a Dr. Seuss storybook.

Last night when we came home from their house, Jon stopped at the end of the driveway and shoveled it before we drove into the garage. A couple of the kids sneaked out of the car while Jon fetched the shovel from the shed and an hour long snowball fight began. They even pulled out the sled (originally used as a shield) and took a ride down the hill.

We finally tucked our brood in bed at about 10:30. What a great Christmas day!