Holiday Highlights

Christmas 2010 was full of family fun - we didn't have to travel so had 2 full weeks to enjoy the break. What a blessing that we were all healthy (besides a mild stomach for Luke and I the week before Christmas) and we could spend time with our parents and friends. Here are some pics that highlight the happenings around our household over the holiday.


This photo truly captures the spirit of my family. Michael juggling our stuff and doing his best to get everyone situated all the while cringing that we are all the crowded mall; Luke trying to escape (not sure of Santa at first) and Hannah jumping right in telling it like it is to whomever will listen. She's reading Santa her letter here - completely her idea.

Waiting to visit Santa - Wilkins, Lax, Johnson and Rodriguez kids -a tradition for 6 or 7 years now.

These ladies (plus a few more) and their children were in our first playgroup. We got together once a week from the time the older kids were infants until they started kindergarten. What a wonderful group of moms - always supportive and true to themselves.

As co-room mom for Mrs. Donahue's 1st grade class, I helped organize the winter party for this precious group.

Mariah's gingerbread decorating party was every kid's dream come true. The candy was everywhere and the creativity was endless.

Decorating Christmas cookies -not my favorite activity by any means (I don't have the patience and despise the mess), but the kids really get into it so I put on a happy face. Dad likes it too!

My baby angel reciting her lines at the Christmas Eve Children's Program.

My beautiful sister, Julianna, and her hubby, Neal, hosted Christmas Eve at their home.

Mom and Dad enjoying the spread.

Our friends like family, the Brown's, joined us for Christmas dinner (missing Carson and Morgan here).

Grandpa showing Luke the photo of them "walking to the bridge". He loved this gift!

Santa brought whoopee cushions (or as Luke calls them, "whoopee coopees"). Hours of fun!

The kids first video game systems. Well, Luke's is a Leap Pad Scribbler but he doesn't know the difference here. These come in handy!