Christmas Eve Kids Gift Opening Extravaganza

The tree before Santa showed up...we need a bigger living room.

We ran out of hiding places for gifts...

Ever Adorable

Woog was ready for bed three hours before this picture. Uncle Jon has a knack for keeping little ones in his lap...

Scoobert wanted a pink binder with Tinkerbell folders SO bad...

Tyler sporting one of his gifts, a Punisher t-shirt.

Donovan isn't cold, he just finished a blue ring pop.

What a beautiful boy, posing next to his creation.

We decided to open the kids gifts on Christmas Eve since Christmas Day would be spent at Grandma's place. With so many, we weren't going to be able to fit everything in the car.
It was a great evening and all the kids, despite being sugar-highed and tired, pushed through.

3rd Annual Christmas Eve Gingerbread House Contest

The Winners... (It wasn't rigged, I swear)

1st Place, Ruby and Haley's Christmas Campground

Mom and Donovan's Christmas Garage- Mom had constructed an impressive house, but it collapsed under the weight of all the yummy decoration.

Rylin's Christmas Compound- he did this all by himself!

Tyler and Meghan's Christmas Lighthouse... they came in second, however, I think they deserved first...it looks really cool and it was actually complex to make.

Kovi's Kitchen <3 Santa Daddy

Daddy has been working long hours at the home office and got a late start on his Kovi Christmas project... a pint-sized kitchen.

For three consecutive days, he toiled and labored hammering and nailing in the chilly garage.

Christmas Eve, Big Daddy painted and applied the finishing touches. Shortly after 1am, we moved the adorable little kitchen into the playroom.

Finally finished and it is SO CUTE!

Inside Kovi's fridge- fruits and veggies and little tupperwares for his leftovers.

All the doors and drawers open, the faucet knobs turn...just like a real little kitchen.

Ta Da! Happy to be done, even happier to see Woog's reaction.

Mom's Gone Vegetarian On Us

And this is what we think about it!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Ruby Sings Jingle Bells 79 Times

Big Daddy and I hosted my office Christmas party at the house on the 8th. In a mad rush to get everything ready- trees froinged, lights twinkling and general merriment made, the kids kinda got the holiday shaft. To make up for our negligence, we hosted a kids party. Hot chocolate (and a version reserved for adults), cookies and karaoke were highlights from an evening filled with Christmas cheer.

Next week we host our annual Gingerbread House Challenge... who will reign as champ in 2010? Stay tuned to find out!

Time Passes and Babies Get Bigger

Our little Puppet is growing...

She's mastered the scoot and shuffle...

And now she can sit up from a laying position!

What a BIG girl!

Mama and her sweet baby girl...XOXOXO

A curly headed, backwards jammie wearing WILD boy.

Spectators.

Kovi's first play dough experience...FAIL.

Turtle II

Adorable Happenings

Leah came over today for a little while. She and The Woog are learning about sharing. I think Leah's got it down...
Also, Miss Ever learned to sit up from a crawling position today. She's been on the verge for weeks, but today was her day.
Enjoy!
PS- Yes, my son is wearing pink rocket ship pajamas. It's my fault. I washed them with the red santa aprons...whoops.

Sweet Little Family

The Woog loves to read...in his poopin' tent.

Ever hasn't been feeling well. I've captured a rare moment for her- passed out- on a comfy looking Big Daddy belly.

Community First 2nd Annual Christmas Party

The Spread

The Chef

The Attendees...
Jerry and Elaine, looking adorable in their matching Christmas attire. I'd requested everyone wear their best Cosby Christmas sweater...to my surprise and holiday glee, they did!

Little Leah Tortilla and her Papa. Adorable. Oh, and left forefront, Beaver's gift from the agents, a business card scanner...he needs it. Really. And...and eco-bag for him to use when he recycles and buys groceries. (HA)

John Spearman, Judy Gilstrap, Joy Vess Beaver Gann and Mamaw.

Coffee break.

Preparing for Dirty Santa.

Miss Liz and Little Ever. Sidenote: Ever wasn't in the mood to let anyone hold her...but Liz did! :)

Ever woke up sick late last night...feverish and vomiting. After a good long nap and some sweet Liz lovin', she's looking pretty smiley.

Bye Angela! Thanks for coming...nice meeting you Frank!

It's as though Dean doesn't really believe what he's seeing...suuure your fish was this big.

Cute. Mark and his exuberantly smooth son, Jackson. Jackson's line of the evening, "You're beautiful." Hold on to your shotguns Daddy's...Jackson's on the prowl.

Joy's joyful feet.

A Zebra-print Sunggie! No way!

I think we have a winner!

Willett...one of my favorite people.

Kelsey, Susan and Jackson. Sweet little family.

Tyler and Chef Mama...working hard.

Leah get your bangs out of your face.

Fancy Cheese.

I think she hates the flower...Woog noticed and tried to smell it.

This year's Christmas party was hosted at our place. Whew...that's work! Fun, food and merriment was had by all.
Thanks to Mom, Donovan, Tyler and Big Daddy for all your help. You are so appreciated.
And just so everyone is clear, it is 92.5 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem.