Christmas Wrap-Up

We were, as always, so blessed this Christmas.  First and foremost, we were blessed by the birth of Jesus, without whom none of all this stuff would matter in the least.  We really tried to focus our kids on the real meaning of Christmas, which is so hard when they are so young and Santa is so much on their minds.  But I kept on iterating that the real reason for the parties, decorations, yummy food, etc. is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I think that some of it sunk in  . . . at least I hope.

But here are some pictures of the not-so-concentrating-on-Jesus moments:

Christmas Eve at Cher Cher and Papa's.  Sam was OBSESSED with singing Santa and would not cooperate for a picture.  Ann Park was thrilled too.

Gazing lovingly at singing Santa

Ward and Daddy

I think that this is my favorite picture of Christmas, even though Ann Park has a fake smile!

Let me go Mama!!

Oh yeah, more singing things!

Ann Park got matching clothes and pajamas with her doll, Bitty Baby!

Such a happy girl!

Light sabers!!

Ann Park's loot from Santa

Ward's loot from Santa

And Sam's too!

Oh yeah, and I can't forget the air hockey table!

Ann Park discovering what Santa brought . . . another doll!  And she talks!

Ward with his snake and bow and arrow - his two favorite presents!

Hands up mommy!

Oh yeah baby!  (That is a knife made out of a deer bone and arrow head - yes, it is real and I am crazy)

Cowboy shirt from Dollywood care of Aunt Kit and Uncle Ryan.  All three got one.  Ward would not take his off and wore it on Sunday and Monday!

Ann Park opening a special present from mommy . . . 

What is it?

My first real necklace - silver with an "A" pendant!

Sam joins in the fun!

a guitar!

so much to look at!

Look at this!  My very own scooter!

two musicians

hard at work . . . the noise was unbearable at times, but they were having so much fun!

And just when we thought things couldn't get any better on Christmas, we were wrong.  It started SNOWING.  Snow in Alabama on Christmas?  The last time we had that was in 1909.  At first it seemed like it wasn't going to stick at all (which was very disappointing for the kids), but just enough stuck, a good Southern "dusting" and the kids had a great time.  We couldn't get Sam to come inside!

Sam was all smiles at Uncle Bill's house!

Here comes Ward to join the fun bow and arrow in hand!

Love me some CapriSun!

Nice pose Ward!

"no" (a.k.a. "snow")

"Ho! Ho! Ho!"

Catching snow on his tounge!

later that afternoon Ann Park joined in the fun (but wouldn't smile for the camera - typical)

Sas is really happy here, huh?

Merry Merry!  Although we had a great time, I was exhausted . . . and to be honest, glad to have it behind me.  I am really looking forward to a relaxed weekend and New Years at Grey Rocks with mom & dad, plus the deLaureals.  We will miss the McCaffreys though!