Holidays 2012

We love the holidays! Yesterday was special - we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one with the kids, being thankful for one another and our time together. 

The day started with caramel-pecan cinnamon rolls, then presents: 

 Our tradition is to take turns wearing the Santa hat - I put on that hat and hand someone a gift. Then, whoever opened their gift puts on the hat and hands out another gift. And around we go! Josh looks the best in the hat. :)

Josh made Donovan armor - pictured is the breastplate. This was an intensive project - Josh spent hours cutting, staining, and piecing the leather. The sides will be stitched now that we can fit it to Donovan.

 Mike had lots of help opening his Wii hunting game.

 Kaiya had her eyes on this doll a couple of weeks ago, unbeknownst to us! We were glad to find out we'd picked well. :)

 Each year we take the kids shopping so they can pick things out for each other. Usually, with the last few dollars, they pick out candy and such - this year, Audri gave Donovan cookies, as well as an Axe body wash and cologne kit (not pictured).

 Audri is opening a beautiful necklace that Donovan picked for her. Somehow I did not get a picture of the necklace once opened. In this picture, you can also see the skateboard Audri received from us.

 The kids got beanies in their stockings. Donovan wore his while opening some of his presents.

 Josh received a camouflage beanie from Audri, and a new hatchet from me. I think this picture makes Josh look like quite the mountain man!

We gave Camdon a few Heroscape castles and the Marvel characters - it seems there is a tie between Captain America and Iron Man for his favorite. 

Oh - one of my presents was this beverage dispenser. :) I "opened" it early so I could use it for the day, and we used the box for some of Cam's presents.

 Mike helped open the box, and then built Cam a castle to play.

Once presents were opened, we broke out the appetizers: crackers and a cheese-ball, chips and salsa, parmesan bites, artichoke dip, and a vegetable tray.

 Kaiya liked the vegetable tray best! She ate all 10 olives off her fingers. :)

Then, we played games - Mike and Amanda brought over their Wii and we hooked it up.

 Mike played his new game, and Cam sat enthralled, waiting for his turn!

 Donovan turned on the computer and played a game that he created in his video-game class at school.

We finally ate dinner around 7 - I'm not sure we were hungry enough even then, but it was time! Turkey (deep-fried!), ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, and salad. It was a team effort!

After dinner, we put a movie on for the kids, then played some games. At 9:30 we served some dessert (apple pie, pumpkin pie, and cheesecake) so Mike and Amanda could get the kids home to bed.

We had a marvelous day! It was "practically perfect in every way" (Mary Poppins is on right now, and the quote seemed to fit.) Thank you Elbert family for joining us, and contributing to the food and fun!

We love the holidays. We are grateful for one another and the time we get to spend together.

Oh - Amanda took some great pictures as well. I can't wait to see them!