Christmas 2011

For the first time in my lifetime, Christmas Eve was not at my mom's or at aunt Nancy's. The torch was passed to Tim and Renae, and it was fabulous. We started off at church where Drew used her Sing and Shout skills to sing Angels We Have Heard on High...she's singing Gloria here.

She was so excited to see her Boys. She had told us the day before that she wants to marry Carson. We're a little afraid to break the news to Cade.

The traditional family photo.

 The eyebrows say it all.

 Drew and Kels in their beautiful dresses.

 Papa always happiest sitting next to his dolly.

 The kids' table...Cole was moved up to the adult table this year, he probably would rather be at the kids' table next year.

 Drew and 2 of the 3 boys.

 Good Lord look at all that loot.

 Drew showing Papa the calendar we made for him.

 A trumpet that has already gotten a lot of use.

 An ornament from auntie Kels of the Rockettes.

 Obliging Mom for another picture.

 We always love getting new books from Cindy, Dan and Sierra.

 A pillow pet from Tim, Renae and the boys that Drew has been sleeping on ever since.

 Kels trying to remain ladylike while opening her new panini maker from us...hoping for her to do a little more home cooking ;)

 Showing Papa how her LeapPad works.

Papa: "not sure why this trumpet has 4 valves, a real one has 3."

Me: "Grandpa, the trumpet was $11"

 Drew took my camera and snapped a few photos of her favorite guys: Papa....

 Tim and Cars....

 and Boppa photobombing a picture of Kels.

 Way past Cade's bedtime, Grandpa Don is trying to keep him awake for dessert!

 We left some cookies out for Santa to eat...it looks like he nibbled on some!

 Checking out the new gifts from Santa!

 Yo Yo Drew.

 A beautiful new Princess castle from Grandma and Pa!

 Daddy and his new Tiger-fied corn hole game.

 Auntie Kels got a new bike for Christmas and Drew wanted to go cruising around the neighborhood with her.

 Testing out the new boards...they definitely needed some breaking in.

 Drew did her best to help out too.

 Opening up the Rainbow in my Room from Great Grandpa, definitely a favorite gift. Now she has to have it on when she goes to sleep at night.

 Steve, Emily, Great Grandpa, Amy, Jerry & Josh

 ...and the rest of us! Merry Christmas to all!

Tis the season of Christmas programs

 The Sing and Shout Club sang a short little tune at church a few Sundays ago. Brady Jones was Drew's #1 fan.

 The following Tuesday night was her School Program. All the kids sang the first verses from 7 or 8 Christmas songs. 

She was much more animated this year and enjoyed the singing and all the hand motions this year, even using her singing skills on Christmas Eve.

Trimming the Tree

It took us over the course of several days to hang all our photo ornaments, special ornaments and wait for Kels to make it down so Drew could help her hang her Barbie ornaments. But the result, as always, is beautiful!

El NIguel Santa

This year, Drew promised she wouldn't be shy with Santa. Instead, she didn't speak to him at all and gave a very forced smile. "I just wanted to get my goody bag," she said.

 This year, Drew and Meghan opted to keep their displays of affection under a bit more control.

2011 & 2010

Drew and Meghan took turns trying to make each other smile while the other was getting their picture taken. Drew is really laying her expression on thick here.